[Zerforax]

So not that long away till the London Olympic 2012 is upon us. No doubt there will be a higher focus on the football this year with plenty of youngsters with vast promise to watch along with a British team for the first time.

After the stupidity of the Home Nations and allowing their players to join the team, the next step is:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/olympics/16226745.stm

England players who take part in Euro 2012 will not be selected for Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympics.

Imo those who play a substantial part of the Euros should not be selected but say you are selected as 4th choice striker or back up CB and then proceed to play 5 minutes at the Euros, that would rule you out of the Olympics. Seems we're going to end up with a terribly average side to field instead of players like Jones, Smalling, Henderson, Wilshere etc not playing as they will no doubt be selected in the Euros squad even if they don't play substantial minutes.

The other main topic will of course be which three over-23 players are selected to represent their country at the Olympics, with the likes of Beckham throwing their name into the hat (despite being too old).

Final squad

Goalkeepers: Jack Butland, Jason Steele.

Defenders: Micah Richards, Ryan Bertrand, Steve Caulker, Craig Dawson, Neil Taylor, James Tomkins.

Midfielders: Joe Allen, Ryan Giggs, Tom Cleverley, Jack Cork, Aaron Ramsey, Danny Rose.

Strikers: Craig Bellamy, Scott Sinclair, Marvin Sordell, Daniel Strurridge.

[TRS-T]

For the over-23 players, we should pick players who are like 25,26,27 but don't go to the Euros.

For example why would you pick David Beckham when you could pick Aaron Lennon?

[419]

If Beckham goes, the whole GB set up becomes an automatic joke.

[rockrunride]

(Original post by TRS-T)
For the over-23 players, we should pick players who are like 25,26,27 but don't go to the Euros.

For example why would you pick David Beckham when you could pick Aaron Lennon?

If the Euro squad were picked tomorrow it would be an absolute joke if Aaron Lennon were to not go.

[Kevmeister]

Beckham is a dead cert to be there - he sells things, its that simple.

[Louis.]

Think it's fair enough tbh, even if you're not playing much you've still got the general stress of the tournament, training every day, media scrutiny, watching your team lose, etc. If Smalling goes as a backup defender and barely plays (perfectly conceivable) I wouldn't want him playing another tournament straight after, especially one that's not very important. It's 23 players, we should be able to string together another vaguely competent squad.

(Original post by rockrunride)
If the Euro squad were picked tomorrow it would be an absolute joke if Aaron Lennon were to not go.

Really? I'd take Walcott and Sturridge over him, especially considering we'll probably be playing a 4-5-1 so the wingers have to be a goalscoring threat.

[rockrunride]

(Original post by Louis.)
Really? I'd take Walcott and Sturridge over him, especially considering we'll probably be playing a 4-5-1 so the wingers have to be a goalscoring threat.

Don't know about Sturridge, but Lennon's definitely on a par with Walcott for league goals this season.

[TRS-T]

(Original post by rockrunride)
If the Euro squad were picked tomorrow it would be an absolute joke if Aaron Lennon were to not go.

Has Capello left him out of all the squads since the World Cup?

Can't see him going tbh so I'd put him in the Olympics.

Maybe also Defoe is he doesn't make the Euros?

[Louis.]

(Original post by rockrunride)
Don't know about Sturridge, but Lennon's definitely on a par with Walcott for league goals this season.

Both on 2 but I consider Walcott the stronger goal threat, i'm pretty confident that Walcott will outscore Lennon come the end of the season, or indeed would over a hypothetical international tournament starting tomorrow.

Sturridge is way ahead with 7 from only 10 games. He has to be favourite for that wide right spot right now.

[Gridiron-Gangster]

I am 200% certain David Beckham is going to play at the Olympics given he has been hinting at it as has Stuart Pearce and given that it's in his home town and most likely to be his swansong and also given that he will undoubtedly put bums in seats and viewing figures will sky rocket just to peep at the Beckham show.

I think it's stupid to say that no Euro 2012 selected player should be allowed to go to the Olympics. Ultimately that decision should rest with the player. I can understand the physical demands playing at both tournaments would provide and the headache it would give to their respective club managers but this is the Olympics, a once in a lifetime opportunity. Frankly if it was me I'd jump at the chance to play in both. Winning Olympic Gold is a massive deal as the South American and African sides have shown us in recent years.

I wonder if Giggs might be given a call-up if only for sentimental value i.e. given he is probably the most prolific player to have never participated in a major tournament and I still think he could hack it?

Perhaps the remaining over-age player would be Michael Owen or perhaps a Scottish player like Charlie Adam or perhaps another Welshman in Craig Bellamy?

The squad will most likely be the England U-21 squad excluding those who make the cut at senior level. I can't see many other Scots or Welsh (and Northern Irish) being selected as put it simply, they wouldn't be good enough except for the ones I mentioned above.

But I'm looking forward to it. I have tickets for the GB Men's game at OT, and the quarters and semis at OT and the men's final at Wembley.

I'm hoping it will be a GB v Argentina final. Beckham v Messi....what a prospect!

[Gridiron-Gangster]

(Original post by Kevmeister)
Beckham is a dead cert to be there - he sells things, its that simple.

ditto.

Given that he spearheaded the bid too he is pretty much "the face of London 2012" and I can already picture the promotional posters and banners now for London 2012 with the likes of David Beckham alongside Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps, Rebecca Adlington, Beth Tweddle and Chris Hoy and Oscar Pistorius.

He will undoubtedly be the "star of the show" alongside Usain Bolt.


P.S. Not forgeting the likes of Nadal, Murray, Federer and other tennis players, Messi and co etc. It's going to be quite an event. I can imagine the other athletes getting excited by the prospect of David Beckham being a part of Team GB.

[forex]

Just wanted to add that the 3 teams from Africa that have just qualified for the Olympics are:

1. Egypt
2. Morocco
3. Gabon

[Zerforax]

Tbh I think we should take it seriously as we can. We haven't looked likely to win a major competition in years (Euros/WC) but an Olympic gold would not be too shabby (even if it's under-23s).

Probably have more chance of winning the Olympics than the Euros.

[Jim-Jam]

Bellamy, Adam, Beckham, whoever doesn't go to the Euro's can all take part but they're all over 23...

Martin Kelly should go to the Olympics.

I'd love to go and see the GB Football team tbh! Hope that we can go to win it. That would be epic, along with Euro 2012.

[The Rusty Spork]

(Original post by Louis.)
Think it's fair enough tbh, even if you're not playing much you've still got the general stress of the tournament, training every day, media scrutiny, watching your team lose, etc. If Smalling goes as a backup defender and barely plays (perfectly conceivable) I wouldn't want him playing another tournament straight after, especially one that's not very important. It's 23 players, we should be able to string together another vaguely competent squad.



Really? I'd take Walcott and Sturridge over him, especially considering we'll probably be playing a 4-5-1 so the wingers have to be a goalscoring threat.

Is it not 18 players for the Olympic squad?

[Louis.]

(Original post by Mess.)
Is it not 18 players for the Olympic squad?

Dunno, I meant it's 23 players going to the Euros, which shouldn't comprise all of the footballing talent in the entire country.

If it is 18 to the Olympics then not being able to take Jones, Walker, Wilshere and maybe a couple of others shouldn't leave us down to the bare bones.

[IanDangerously]

I think Giggs and Beckham should absolutely get to be involved if they wish. Both have been excellent players and consummate professionals that have given so much to British football over the years. They're coming towards the end of their days in the spotlight and to be able to be classed as Olympians is a well-deserved honour for both of them.

I have to wonder what role Tom Cleverley will play in all this. Hopefully he won't be selected for the Euro squad because I'd rather see him play the Olympic matches.

[Gridiron-Gangster]

I still think it's silly not to include anyone from the Euro 2012 suqad in Team GB. The whole point is to select the best team capable of winning Gold not based on silly "moral" princples although I think the FA/Stuar Pearce are only doing it to appease the Premier League managers. Frankly if a player wants to play then he should do given that he is eligible to do so. Unless Team GB becomes a permanent fixture at the Olympic Football tournament then this situation will never arise again so what's a packed out schedule if it means England and Team GB can strive to make a mark on the international game which let's be honest we haven't come close to doing since 1966?

Can we draw up a list of eligible players on here i.e from Wales, Scotland Northern Ireland too? It'd be great to discuss a potential squad and I ashammedly don't know too much about the other home nations footballing makeup these days.

[Louis.]

(Original post by Gridiron-Gangster)
Can we draw up a list of eligible players on here i.e from Wales, Scotland Northern Ireland too? It'd be great to discuss a potential squad and I ashammedly don't know too much about the other home nations footballing makeup these days.

It's probably going to be quite limited. Ramsey and Bale will play because they'll be 23 or under but I can't think of any other youngsters likely to make it, possibly Barry Bannan. If we assume Beckham takes one of the 3 other spots that leaves 2 open for the older guys, and I guess Bellamy, Adam and Fletcher (depending on health) would be in contention. Suppose Giggs could be in the mix if he fancies it but I doubt he'll play. Brunt and Evans possibilities if they want someone from all four nations, and with a lack of English keepers beyond Hart I suppose McGregor or Hennessey could have a shot as well.

I'm assuming everyone's going to be able to play here, although it wouldn't surprise me if the Scottish FA told their players not to.

[Gridiron-Gangster]

(Original post by Louis.)
It's probably going to be quite limited. Ramsey and Bale will play because they'll be 23 or under but I can't think of any other youngsters likely to make it, possibly Barry Bannan. If we assume Beckham takes one of the 3 other spots that leaves 2 open for the older guys, and I guess Bellamy, Adam and Fletcher (depending on health) would be in contention. Suppose Giggs could be in the mix if he fancies it but I doubt he'll play. Brunt and Evans possibilities if they want someone from all four nations, and with a lack of English keepers beyond Hart I suppose McGregor or Hennessey could have a shot as well.

I'm assuming everyone's going to be able to play here, although it wouldn't surprise me if the Scottish FA told their players not to.

Well using wiki as my source I've deduced that out of the Scottish players the most likely candidates would be Gary Caldwell and Charlie Adam as senior players. Darren Fletcher possibly unless he's still on hiatus.

Northern Ireland, Jonny Evans just missed the cut for under-23 so he'd be a possibly senior call up. Other than that no other decent options.

Wales well Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale for sure. Craig Bellamy and Ryan Giggs as possible seniors.

England; mostly the U-21s that don't make it to Euro 2012 plus David Beckham. Michael Owen deserves an honourable mention.