London: Britain's football coach Stuart Pearce will watch David Beckham play in the United States next week before deciding whether he will be selected for the Olympic squad.

Beckham, 36, could be an over-aged pick for Britain, who are drawn with Senegal, Uruguay and United Arab Emirates.

I'll know a bit more about David Beckham's chances when I go to the States and see him," Xinhua quoted Pearce telling BBC.

Pearce said injured Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere remains on his 80-strong list of potential players.

He can pick three over-age players in an Olympic football squad otherwise made up by under-23s.

Pearce will watch Beckham play in May - the midfielder's 37th birthday - for LA Galaxy against Seattle.

Beckham has said he would love to captain the side although former England striker Gary Lineker has questioned the LA Galaxy midfielder's inclusion.

Pearce said: "He's been a great ambassador but that's no guarantee he'll get in the squad. I'm picking on form and merit alone.

"David Beckham will be treated exactly the same as any other individual, whether it is young or over-age. Form and fitness will dictate what the make-up of the squad will be. I have a duty of care to the Britain squad to try to win a gold medal. I will pick the strongest squad I can." (IANS)