David Beckham: 'Only an Olympian should light flame'

Former England captain David Beckham believes that an Olympian should be given the honour of lighting the Olympic flame at the London 2012 Games.

The 37-year-old, who was snubbed from Stuart Pearce's Great Britain football team, was considered a potential contender to light the torch at the opening ceremony in two weeks' time.

"I've always said, lighting the torch in the stadium is something that should be done by an Olympian, who has done incredible things for our country and won gold medals," said Beckham.

Reports have claimed that either Sir Steve Redgrave or Daley Thompson will be chosen to light the flame.