With Stuart Pearce announced as the Great Britain manager for the next Olympic Games, it is important to consider the future chances within our adopted national team, as fans from Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland unite to become British once more. With Pearce leading the group of youngsters, as he has become accustomed to with the England under 21’s, the chances of progressing and gaining a medal may not be overly unlikely. However with clubs restricting the players on their payroll from joining up with the G.B. team, could our hopes diminish before we have even begun?
The Olympic Games is a world stage for players of the age of Under 23 alongside 3 players over the age of 23 to come together as a nation and light up fans from all over the world. This, perhaps less prestigious as the European and World Cup competitions, however this is arguably a great opportunity for Great British players to come together and form a unity between the home nations, which has been lost in recent years.
However one of the many problems that the G.B. team face is a lack of unity, as Scotland in particular feel that the combination of the ‘Home Nations’ perhaps result in a step back for the countries seeking independence as a country on a global scale. Furthermore Wales support this idea, and with the nation trying to block Gareth Bales intentions to perform for team G.B. it appears that being a player of exceptional quality in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland could be a lonely place in the coming months.
The next stumbling block is that of the Club instructions. Pearce has already had to plead and beg for the likes of Jack Wilshere and Danny Welbeck to be released, however clubs remain stubborn and Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson are not willing to risk the inevitable fatigue in preparation for the new season. Understandably clubs sign players from any country with the expectation that they will help achieve the club expectations.
Therefore for the clubs of Manchester United’s stature, they aim for global success, and with Danny Welbeck among others expected to be named for the Olympics, these players are vital for youth and balance in the 2012/13 Premier League season. With many of the English representatives expected to perform for their country during the Euro 2012 finals, the Olympics comes as an extra problem for club sides, as the summer of relaxation and recuperation becomes overloaded with intense football.
Yet even with our favoured squad of Under 23’s, competition is vast as prospects in Argentina, Brazil and in particular Germany, could prevent success once more. A young German squad lit the last World Cup alight with their fast counter attacking prowess, leaving neutrals drooling for what they have in store in future competitions. This alongside an Argentina squad complete with Lionel Messi, and a Brazilian side that have been taught flair football from an early age, competing with these teams will be tricky.
With the Rugby Great British Lions performing well against a variety of oppositions, it is possible for these players to conquer arguably better oppositions, however teamwork and chemistry must be found quickly in order to perform against the best of oppositions.
Therefore should players get their wish and are available to strut their stuff for the G.B. team it could be an interesting competition. Should Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey join in with Jack Wilshere and Danny Welbeck, the attacking line could rival any. The doubts from the remaining home nations is understandable, as well as the increasing uncertainty seen by club managers, and with Spain and the previously mentioned German team competing, there will be plenty of tough opposition for a G.B. team that hasn’t been in existence since 1955.
However as spectacle, it could become increasingly attractive to see the best youth from across the U.K. come together and compete against others from all over the world. Should restrictions be minimal, and with Pearce having experience working with youth in a competitive situation, hopefully luck combined with hard work could provide the recipe for success, and, in turn, an unlikely medal.
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