David Beckham has edged closer to representing the Team GB football team at the Olympic Games.

The former England captain has made the cut of 80 players informed by the Football Association that they are in consideration for a squad berth.

Beckham, who will be 37 when the games commence, is joined by Tottenham's Gareth Bale, 23, and Liverpool's Craig Bellamy, 32, who are both Wales internationals.

Joe Cole, 30, farmed out on loan by the Anfield club to French side Lille, is also listed.

Only three over-age players are allowed in what is essentially an Under-23 tournament.

Ex-England captain Beckham has won 115 caps for the Three Lions, but is unlikely to add to his tally since he last played for his country in October 2009.

A snapped Achilles whilst playing on loan at AC Milan from LA Galaxy scuppered any hopes he may represent England at four successive World Cup finals.

Beckham scores for the Galaxy at the weekend:

Beckham was an ambassador for the London 2012 bid before the city was awarded the Games on 6 July 2005.

Having been born in Leytonstone and growing up in east London, he is often expressed his desire to have a role in the UK's first Olympics since 1948.

Stuart Pearce, England's interim boss and coach of Team GB, must now to cut the 80 names down to 35 players by 8 June before he submits a final squad of 18 players, as well as four reserves, by noon on 6 July.

Anyone who features for England at Euro 2012 will be ineligible.

Other youngsters still in contention include highly-rated Birmingham City goalkeeper Jack Butland, currently on loan with Cheltenham Town, Chelsea midfielder Josh McEachran - presently on loan at Swansea and Crystal Palace's prodigious right-back Nathaniel Clyne.