2012 Olympics: Picking a Starting 11 for Great Britain's Soccer Team

By now, some of us must be getting excited about the soccer event at the London 2012 Olympic Games. I am now going to attempt to put together the starting team for Great Britain. There are, of course, a few things to keep in mind about my selections.

We will try to even out the selections among English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland players, even though the actual selection is likely to include largely English players. Only three players can be above the age of 23, and players who play for England at Euro 2012 will not be considered.

I expect my selections to be hotly disputed. But that is all part of the fun.

John Ruddy (Goalkeeper)

There are calls for the Norwich city keeper to be included in the Euro 2012 England squad. However, I expect him to just miss out for other options. Goalkeeping is not an area in which Britain is that well-equipped. Therefore, John Ruddy could prove to be a standout option.

The one potential stumbling block is that he is 25, so would have to be included as one of the over-age players. 

Nathaniel Clyne (Right Back)

It is highly likely that the talented full-back will be playing Premier League football next season. The Crystal Palace player is one of the rising stars of English football. Manchester United may be close to securing a deal for him.

And at 21, Nathaniel Clyne will fit into the Olympic squad perfectly.

Neil Taylor (Left Back)

Neil Taylor is another player that would fit in nicely to a Great Britain Olympic squad. The 23-year-old has impressed in his debut season for Swansea and is a full Wales international. He may be a player that the Swans will have to fight to hold onto during the summer.

Jonny Evans ( Central Defender)

Jonny Evans seems to be an obvious choice for a Great Britain Olympic place. He has recently been getting a run at the heart of the Manchester United defense, and he is a full Northern Ireland international. The only snag is he is 24, so he would have to be another over-age player.

Ryan Bennett (Central Defender)

Norwich City picked up Ryan Bennett in the January transfer window for over £3million from Peterborough United. He has already shown some great ability in that short period in the Premier League.

In my opinion, there is no doubt that he will be getting full England caps before long. So with that in mind, the Olympics might be the ideal time to get him some international experience. At 22, he fits in nicely.

Matt Phillips (Right Winger)

Matt Phillips offered signs of what he can do in the Premier League last season. This season he has really excelled and is another exciting and quick winger. He looks set to play his international football for Scotland, despite representing England at youth levels.

At 21, he would fit nicely on a Great Britain Olympic squad. 

Gareth Bale (Left Winger)

I don't think there will be any debate or disagreements over including Spurs winger Gareth Bale on this squad. The Welsh international has had another superb season in the Premier League and could be set to be a real star at the Olympics. At 22, he fits in superbly.

Barry Bannan (Central Midfielder)

Barry Bannan has been one of the few bright sparks of what has been an exceptionally poor season for Aston Villa. The midfielder now has Premier League and international experience for Scotland. He really should be included in this Olympic team. At 22, he fits in nicely.

Aaron Ramsay (Central Midfielder)

At age 21, Aaron Ramsay looks like an obvious choice for this Great Britain Olympic team, especially now that he has established himself on the Arsenal team and continues to be an important player for Wales.  

Kyle Lafferty (Striker)

The Rangers striker is included to boost the representation from Northern Ireland. But in any case, Kyle Lafferty is a handy player. His scoring record in SPL is impressive, and he would offer the British team a good physical presence up front. At 24, he would be the third and final over-age player. 

Jordan Rhodes (Striker)

OK, with my over-age selections used up. I have gone with a selection straight out of left field. I know I will get criticized for it, but there you go. Jordan Rhodes has been in lethal form in League One this season. And if Huddersfield Town are promoted through the playoffs, Rhodes will have played a big part.

The striker has scored 71 goals in 108 league starts for the club. I wouldn't be at all surprised if he was playing Premier League football next season. So why not throw him into the Olympics and give him some international experience? Rhodes has won one cap for Scotland.

The only slight concern would be if the striker partnership would work, as both Lafferty and Rhodes are of a similar type. But the 22-year-old Rhodes would fit in.

Follow James on Twitter and Facebook.