Arise, Sir Beefy as Beckham misses out

Ian Botham is knighted but there is nothing for David Beckham in the Queen's birthday honours tomorrow.

The most famous cricketer and footballer of their generations, who transcended their sports in global appeal, had each been tipped for honours.

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Beckham misses out despite speculation he would be honoured not only for his football career but also for a key role in the successful London bid to host the 2012 Olympics.

Beckham, 32, makes his final appearance for championship-chasing Real Madrid this weekend before moving to LA Galaxy in America.

He has also resurrected his England career and is on course to win his 100th cap.

Sportsmen are rarely given knighthoods while playing and Beckham, who received the OBE in 2003, seems certain to be made a knight in the future.

But there would have been an outcry if the honour had been bestowed now.

Earlier this year, his wife Victoria responded in a radio interview to suggestions of a knighthood, saying: "Ooh, I'd love that.

"Can you imagine? That would be fabulous. It's just so camp, it's wonderful isn't it, Lady Victoria.

"I think David's done a lot for charity, he was heavily involved with the Olympic bid and he's given a lot to his country with the football, too, and I think he deserves it but we'll see."

There will be few complaints about the accolade for "Beefy" Botham, whose all-rounder achievements warranted him being made a knight at the end of his playing career in 1993.

He was denied, probably because of lurid tabloid headlines about his private life and a confession he smoked dope on an England tour.

But Botham, 51, could have earned his honour through his charity work alone; 11 walks around Britain and Europe have raised more than £10million for Leukemia Research. His commendation mentions his services to charity and cricket.