With only a year until the London 2012 Olympics, we look at which players could represent Great Britain at the historic event.
Although Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales have objected against the proposal let’s imagine that everything gets sorted out and that players from those nations will participate.
Firstly for the men’s competition, it is an under 23 event however three players over the age of 23 are allowed to compete. There is no age restriction for the women’s event. In Beijing in 2008 we saw the likes of Ronaldinho turn out for Brazil and Roy Makaay play for the Netherlands. We even saw ex Fulham striker Brian McBride play for the USA at the ripe old age of 36.
18 players will be selected to make up the final squad.
So bearing that in mind, we put together what we think the team will look like in a years time:
Manager: Who else but Sir Alex Ferguson. The most successful manager in British history by winning 47 trophies as the gaffer. Nobody else would guarantee a gold medal like he would. Unfortunately though, in reality is looks as though Stuart Pearce will be in charge after the FA decided in early January. This the man who couldn’t take the England under 21s past the group stage of the euros.
Goalkeepers: Unfortunately the likes of Joe Lewis and Scott Loach miss out because they will both be 24 and this team can have better players than them to fill up the over 23 spots. For this reason the two ‘keepers will be Alex Smithies of Huddersfield and Rhys Taylor of Chelsea. Smithies is a regular fixture for Huddersfield and his rise to stardom has coincided with Huddersfield flirting with the play offs season after season. He has been linked with the likes of Stoke and Aston Villa and has a big future ahead of him. Taylor spent last year on loan at Crewe and impressed greatly.
Defenders: Kyle Walker should feature at right back after impressing during the second half of last season at Aston Villa. The 21 year old has been called up to the full England squad though is yet to feature. Danny Wilson of Liverpool had an excellent year in the reserves and is set to play first team football this year. The versatile Scot can play anywhere in defense. Craig Cathcart was highly rated as a Manchester United player but left them for regular first team football. The Northern Irish centre back enjoyed a season in the Premier League with Blackpool and should be back amongst the World’s best very soon. Ashley Cole would take the left back spot. Arguably the best full back in the World and has a vast amount of experience.