Predicting the Great Britain Olympic Soccer Team for London 2012

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Stuart Pearce is widely expected to give David Beckham the captaincy for the GB Olympic team this summer but who will be the other 10 men to start the first game?

There are three players allowed over the age of 23 with the rest of the squad consisting of the best young talent from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Anyone representing England in the European Championships have been ruled out by the FA but that still leaves plenty of quality players available — here is the potential starting 11 who could take the field this summer.

Goalkeeper: Jason Steele (England)

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Not a household name to many but Middlesbrough's number one is very highly regarded by the England hierarchy

Steele represented the Three Lions at U-16,17,19 and 21 level, the youngster will be high up in Stuart Pearce's thoughts after his excellent performances this season have helped Boro to fourth place in the Championship.

Right Back: Martin Kelly (England)

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The Liverpool right-back has been excellent when called upon by Rafa Benitez and his successor Kenny Dalglish.

Still only 21, he can operate at both right and left-back giving Pearce plenty of versatility which could be essential if England go deep into the tournament.

Kelly has the unenviable task of replacing Glen Johnson at club level but is definitely a hot prospect for the future.

Centre Back: Jonny Evans (Northern Ireland)

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The first of three over-age players allowed, the Northern Irishman has been excellent for Manchester United this season.

Getting more and more playing time because of Rio Ferdinand's ongoing fitness problems, Evans has proved himself as more than a handy alternative.

He has big game experience and would surely jump at the chance to be included.

Centre Back: Phil Jones (England)

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Phil Jones has been magnificent since his summer switch from Blackburn Rovers. Jones has excelled in both midfield and defence giving Pearce plenty of options.

There is a chance he could make the full England squad for Euro 2012 but with inexperience and a tendency to pick up injuries, he might be overlooked.

He could perform a lethal defensive partnership with club mate Evans.

Left Back: Kieran Gibbs (England)

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Kieran Gibbs started off the season as Arsenal's first choice left-back before picking up a hernia injury in October.

He has two senior caps to his name but will probably miss out on the Euro finals paving the way for Pearce to add him to his starting 11.

Due to return from injury at the end of the month, he will be a vital player for Arsenal for the season run in and could play a big part in the Olympics.

Right Midfield: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (England)

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Another Arsenal youngster with immense potential who could be given the chance to dazzle the footballing world this summer.

You have to be something special for Arsene Wenger to pay 12 million pounds for an unproven championship player but that's exactly what he did and he has not disappointed when called into action so far this season.

Centre Midfield: David Beckham (capt) England

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Beckham expressed his desire to captain the national side and will almost certainly get his wish.

A huge ambassador for the Olympics in London, the 36-year-old was instrumental in obtaining the important votes when it mattered the most.

He will probably finish his international career after the tournament and is surely set to start if given the armband.

Beckham will switch to play across the midfield, probably in the deeper role he has succeeded with LA Galaxy.

Centre Midfield: Gareth Bale (Wales)

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Along with Robin Van Persie, Gareth Bale has been the best player in the Premier League this season.

He can play left-back or left-wing, but it's in a free role where Spurs have seen the Welshman flourish.

I'm sure Pearce will hope Bale can produce the same kind of form that is seeing Harry Redknapp's side challenge for the title this season.

Centre Midfield: Aaron Ramsay (Wales)

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The third Arsenal player in the team and would compliment Beckham and Bale perfectly in midfield.

With Bale playing just behind the striker and Beckham a lot deeper, Ramsay has the ability to attack and defend with equal success.

He has flourished after the injury to Jack Wilshire and would surely love the chance to compete for a gold medal.

Left Midfield: Ryan Giggs (Wales)

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Another certainty on the team sheet, Giggs will be a popular choice if given the chance to shine at this year's games.

Along with Beckham, this could be Giggs' last chance to play on an international stage and plenty of fans will be desperate to see the two Old Trafford legends re-unite.

There still could be a call for Paul Scholes but that might be a bridge too far.

Striker: Daniel Sturridge (England)

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Chelsea's best player this season bar none, Sturridge could be the unlucky man to miss out with England at the European Championships with Capello preferring Danny Welbeck.

But the 22-year-old could prove invaluable to Stuart Pearce's team if left behind.