World Football: 33 Players Who Could Represent Team GB at Olympics

Football at the Olympics got a lot more exciting with the inclusion of Great Britain. The Great Britain football team for 2012 has grabbed the attention of the public. These are 33 players who are likely to be part of the Team GB football squad at the 2012 Olympics.

Team GB will include 18 top football starts from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. With an age restriction on players, only three players can be over the age of 23.

Also, Stuart Pearce has announced that any player representing England at Euro 2012 will not be included in the Team GB football squad.

Expect to see 18 of these men representing Team GB at the London Olympics.

Ryan Giggs

Ryan Giggs is a Welsh hero.  Probably the best player to represent the national side in recent times, he is a superstar of the game.  

Still performing at the highest level with Manchester United, Giggs has never had the chance to play on a truly international scale.

Team GB football at the 2012 Olympics could be a real temptation for Giggs.  He is one player who will definitely be considered.  He may not have the pace, but his calm demeanour, big-game experience and superstar status make him the perfect choice.

Nathan Delfouneso

Nathan Delfouneso is a player with a great amount of talent and a bright future. Despite still struggling to hold down a first-team place at Aston Villa, Delfouneso has still been a regular for Stuart Pearce's Under-21 side.

Delfouneso is a player who lacks real first-team experience, but can still make a big impact as an attacking player or winger.

The inclusion of Delfouneso in Team GB might be dependent on who makes the Euro 2012 squad, but it shouldn't be a surprise if he makes the Olympic squad.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was signed by Arsene Wenger in the summer and has been touted as the next Theo Walcott. His opportunities at Arsenal will be limited this season as Wenger looks to ease him into Premier League life.

Already playing for England Under-21’s, Oxlade-Chamberlain is certainly a player to watch.

His pace and skill with the ball make him a constant threat, but he faces some tough competition to get into the Team GB football squad.  

Fraizer Campbell

Sunderland’s Fraizer Campbell is a long shot for the Team GB football squad.  Having missed over a year of football with a serious knee injury, Campbell is just reaching fitness again. 

A useful and versatile player, Campbell could fill a wide role or play as a striker. Having impressed in his early Sunderland career, all eyes will be on Campbell as he returns to first-team action in the New Year.

Should Campbell impress and put in some good performances for Martin O’Neill and Sunderland, then he could find himself at the Olympics as part of a Team GB football squad.

Victor Moses

Victor Moses has been in impressive form for Wigan in recent weeks. His pace alone makes him a threat to any defence, but add in his agility and close control and you have a defender's nightmare.

Moses is almost certain not to feature in the England Euro 2012 squad, and so would be a great choice for Team GB football at the Olympics.

He won’t find himself a starting berth, however, with Gareth Bale certain for the starting spot on the left side. Moses, along with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, will be waiting anxiously to see if he makes the squad.

Aaron Ramsey

Aaron Ramsey, like compatriot Gareth Bale, needs very little introduction. The Wales captain has been putting some very impressive performances for Arsenal this season. 

Playing in the centre of midfield, Ramsey would be a great option for Team GB football, and is almost certain to feature at the Olympics in 2012.

Tom Cleverley

Tom Cleverley has quickly developed into a top-class midfielder at Manchester United.  After a loan spell at Wigan, the youngster started this season with some impressive performances for United.

He was a player with an outside chance of making it to Euro 2012 with England, but injury seems to have taken that chance away.

Returning to fitness in the New Year, Cleverley will have plenty of time to prove himself and earn a place in the midfield for Team GB football at the Olympics.

Connor Wickham

Connor Wickham started out at Ipswich and quickly earned himself a reputation as a future star.  After a few first team appearances (and goals), Wickham had done enough to earn a move to the Premier League. 

Sunderland paid £8 million for the services of Wickham in the summer.  He has made a slow start to life in the Premier League, but is gradually getting up to pace.

Wickham’s size and strength make him a handful for defenders, and as he settles into Premier League life he will become an England international. Until then, he will have to make do with being part of Team GB football at the Olympics.

Andy Carroll

Andy Carroll finds himself delicately balanced on a knife edge. He is clearly a part of Fabio Capello’s England plans, but could easily miss out on a trip to the Ukraine and Poland this summer.

Struggling to live up to his £35 million price tag, life in Liverpool has been difficult for Andy Carroll. Unless there is a turnaround in form for the England striker, Carroll will find himself left out of England’s squad.

Stuart Pearce will definitely be in close contact with Capello over the situation with Carroll. If he does fail to make the England squad, expect to see him representing Team GB at the Olympics.

Craig Bellamy

Craig Bellamy would be a surprise choice for many in the Team GB football squad, but when all things are considered, his inclusion should be no surprise.

An experienced Premier League striker will be a must in the team, and Bellamy fits the bill perfectly.  A vast amount of international experience with Wales will also help Bellamy. 

After Stuart Pearce announced that no players who play in Euro 2012 for England would be included, Bellamy became a real prospect for the Team GB Olympic football squad.

Darren Bent

Darren Bent has an outside chance of being in the Team GB football squad, but it is not the call he wants. Bent will be doing everything he can to get into England's Euro 2012 squad, which will rule him out of the Olympics.

With a lot of talent around up front, Bent could easily miss out on a place in the final England squad.  

His proven goal-scoring ability and international experience make him a possible choice as one of the over 23 players. Bent will provide Team GB with plenty of goals and a calm, collected figure up front.

Gareth Bale

Gareth Bale is likely to be the first name on the Team GB teamsheet. His performances on the left for Tottenham have seen him emerge as one of the biggest talents in the Premier League.

Had Bale been born English, then he would certainly be taking part in Euro 2012, but Wales did not qualify.

The winger will provide Team GB football with some real quality, and is likely to be one of the best players at the Olympics.

Oliver Norwood

Oliver Norwood is currently playing for Scunthorpe United in League One, where he is on loan from Manchester United.

The central midfielder has come up through the ranks at Manchester United and has impressed enough to make it into the Northern Ireland team.

Still waiting to get a chance for Manchester United, Norwood is not likely to get a starting berth for Team GB football.

Midfield is likely to be one of the strongest areas for the Olympic football squad, and with just 18 places in the squad, Norwood could well miss out.

Steven Davis

Steven Davis is another central midfielder from Northern Ireland.  At the age of 26, Davis would need to be selected as one of the three over-23 players in the squad.

Although the midfield will be extremely strong, Davis could make it into the squad as captain of Northern Ireland. With Darren Fletcher out for an indefinite period with illness, and players at Euro 2012 not able to play, Team GB football could be in need of strong leaders.

Aaron Ramsey, the captain of Wales, will no doubt be part of the Olympic squad, but the Arsenal star is not an experienced captain.

With five years as captain of Northern Ireland, Davis would not be a surprise inclusion in the squad.

Craig Cathcart

Craig Cathcart is a central defender that came through the youth system at Manchester United.  After various loan spells away from Old Trafford, Cathcart joined Blackpool.

Still only 22 years of age, Cathcart will be a solid choice in central of defence for Team GB football.

The Northern Ireland international will be waiting anxiously to see if Stuart Pierce rates him enough to be part of the Olympic football squad.

Conor McLaughlin

Conor McLaughlin is a likely option for the Team GB right back spot. The Preston North End full back has been a solid performer and has earned himself a call up to the Northern Ireland squad.

It's still very early in his career, but McLaughlin could easily be a player that makes the Team GB Olympics squad.

David Beckham

David Beckham was a major part of the team that won the Olympic bid back in 2005. He has made no secret of his desire to play in the Team GB football side at the Olympics in 2012.

Beckham will no doubt be the captain of the side and the face of football at the games.

His experience coupled with his incredible talent make him irresistible. With the majority of players under the age of 23, almost all of the players from competing will have grown up with Beckham as an idol. 

Playing football in the 2012 Olympic games for Team GB will be the grand finale of Beckham’s career.  His selection is certain—only injury could stop him playing.

Kieran Gibbs

Kieran Gibbs will probably not quite do enough to get into the England squad for Euro 2012.  Injury has kept Gibbs out of the Arsenal team for much of the season.  

Now, as Gibbs returns to fitness, starting left back Andre Santos has been sidelined with injury. Gibbs will return to the starting lineup and should do enough to keep it that way.

With Ashley Cole and Leighton Baines apparently first choice for England, Gibbs looks set to be the starting left back for Team GB football at the Olympics.

Neil Taylor

Neil Taylor has made a very strong start to his Premier League career with Swansea.  Coming up into the Premier League, Taylor has quickly become Wales' top left back.

Taylor would be a great choice for Team GB football, and could easily be part of the squad for London 2012.

A left-sided partnership with Gareth Bale would create an all-Welsh left side for Team GB, but Taylor will face some stiff competition from Kieran Gibbs.

Daniel Sturridge

Daniel Sturridge will be hoping he is not part of the Team GB football squad at the Olympics.

Instead he will want to be part of the England squad at Euro 2012.

There are only a limited number of spots for strikers, and with an array of talent around, someone will miss out. Should Sturridge be that man, he will be part of the Team GB football squad at the Olympics.

Ryan McGivern

Ryan McGivern is another contender for the left back position in Team GB. The Manchester City full back is currently on loan at Bristol City.

Not likely to break into the multi-million pound City team, McGivern has had to make do with a series of loan moves to lower league clubs.

McGivern is part of a very young Northern Ireland defence and has an outside chance of making the Team GB football squad in the summer.

Corry Evans

Corry Evans is the younger brother of Manchester United defender Jonny Evans. Having come through the youth system at Manchester United, Evans is now playing in the Championship for Hull City.

Team GB football will be restricted to just 18 players, and versatility will be a key. Evans has been playing predominantly at midfield, but can also play as a defender. 

This versatility could help him to make the Team GB football squad.

Jack Butland

Jack Butland is a highly rated young goalkeeper. Playing on loan for Cheltenham Town, the youngster has already earned a spot in the England Under-21 squad.

Being part of the Team GB football squad will provide Butland with valuable tournament experience. His inclusion will provide England with a solid goalkeeper, without using an over-23 player.

Expect Butland to be part of the Team GB football squad at the Olympics in 2012.

Kyle Walker

Tottenham right back Kyle Walker is another player on the fringes of the England squad.  Making his debut in the friendly against Spain, Walker will certainly be hoping for a place in England’s Euro 2012 squad.

After a loan spell at Aston Villa last year, Walker returned to Spurs to earn a place in the first team. Now a regular, he continues to impress.

Walker is a player that will be watched closely by Stuart Pearce.  Should he fail to make the Euro 2012 squad, the he will certainly be part of Team GB football at the Olympics.

Jack Rodwell

Jack Rodwell has been a sensation for Everton in the last couple of seasons.  Since becoming a regular for Everton, Rodwell has been touted as a future England star.

Having recently made his debut for the national side against Spain in a friendly, Rodwell will be on the fringes of the Euro 2012 squad.

With top quality midfielders filling the England squad, Rodwell could easily fail to make the trip to Euro 2012. Team GB could leave Rodwell similarly disappointed.

It will be interesting to see where Rodwell spends his summer in 2012.

Jonjo Shelvey

Jonjo Shelvey is another midfielder starlet that could make it into Team GB for the Olympics.

Having spent the first part of the season on loan at Blackpool, Shelvey has been recalled to Liverpool. The youngster impressed a lot at Blackpool and will get his chance at Liverpool after the injury of Lucas Leiva.

Unlikely to make the England squad for Euro 2012, Shelvey could be an early favourite to make the Team GB football squad.

Chris Gunter

Chris Gunter is an attacking full back who could make an impact for Team GB at the 2012 Olympics.

The Welsh international has made over 100 appearances for Nottingham Forest, despite only being 22.  

Capable of playing on either side of the defence, but predominantly a right back, Gunter has the professional and international experience that could really help Team GB football.

Gunter could use his versatility to his advantage and be a very important player for Team GB at the Olympics.

Craig Gordon

Craig Gordon is the most expensive British goalkeeper ever. Playing in the Premier League for Sunderland, Gordon has impressed and become known as one of the best shot-stoppers around.

Team GB will be in need of a solid stopper with some real experience. Players over 23 will be limited to just three, but a goalkeeper could be invaluable.

With England's top goalkeepers away at Euro 2012, Team GB could turn to Scotland for an experienced goalkeeper.

Sam Vokes

Sam Vokes has potential to be included in the Team GB Olympic football squad as a striker, but it would seem unlikely with all the striking talent around.

The inclusion of Welsh striker Vokes would not be a complete surprise, though—especially if injury and selection for Euro 2012 rule out a couple of more favorable options.

Danny Welbeck

Danny Welbeck is part of a group of England strikers looking to get a place in the Euro 2012 squad.  

With a limited number of places in the squad, someone will miss out, and they are likely to find themselves in the Team GB squad.

Welbeck, along with Andy Carroll, Jermaine Defoe, Peter Crouch, Bobby Zamora, Darren Bent and Daniel Sturridge are all looking to fill the remaining attacking spots with Wayne Rooney.

Should Welbeck be left out, his age makes him a perfect candidate for the Team GB football squad at the Olympics.

Martin Kelly

Martin Kelly has a bright future at Liverpool.  Already challenging Glen Johnson for a starting place at right back, Kelly is certain to become a top international right back in the future.

For the moment, though, he will have to make do with representing Team GB at the Olympics.

With Johnson at Liverpool, opportunities will be limited for Kelly.  But he could be a big asset for Team GB football, especially as he is capable of playing in the middle of defence as well as right back.

Josh McEachran

Josh McEachran has been flirting with the first team at Chelsea in recent years. Playing predominantly as a defensive midfielder, McEachran would fill a similar role for Team GB.

With a lot of very good options in midfield, McEachran might need a little more playing time at Chelsea if he is to make the Olympic football squad.

Jordan Henderson

Jordan Henderson has had a difficult start to his Liverpool career. The former Sunderland player seems to be feeling the pressure after his £20 million move from Sunderland. That won’t stop him being part of Team GB at the 2012 Olympics.

Midfielder Henderson has incredible passing ability and has the added bonus of being a very flexible player.  His ability to play in the centre of midfield—which he did so well for Sunderland—or out on the right, will make him a tough player to leave out.

Henderson played under Stuart Pearce for England Under 21’s, and it would be hard to imagine a Team GB football squad without Henderson.