Britain’s first football team to appear in the Olympics since the year 1960 is being picked specially for this summer’s Olympic Games. David Beckham, one of prospective squad players that are allowed to be of any age, is still in contention for a place in the squad.
Stuart Pearce, the Olympic football team manager has shortened his player list from 191 down to just 80 since January. The 18 squad players names are expected to be announced by June.
Beckham, now a midfielder for Los Angeles Galaxy team, has previously expressed the desire to be part of the London Games team despite the fact that his England team career is effectively over. Former England captain, Beckham made 115 appearances for England. This is the most appearances of any outfield player for England, the last of which occurred in October 2009.
Britain hasn’t had a football team in the Olympics for over 50 years as Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales all feared losing FIFA independence. The federation has assured teams that their FIFA status will not be affected if they partake in the competition, although a combined team has still been blocked. Pearce is still hoping to include players from across the UK.
The 80-strong shortlist includes Liverpool’s Welsh striker Craig Bellamy, Gareth Bale, Tottenham’s winger, Scottish striker Stephen Fletcher who plays for Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chris Brunt, a midfielder for West Bromwich Albion.
Apart from David Beckham, there are another four English possible player’s names that have been disclosed. Joe Cole, Liverpool’s 30 year old midfielder on loan to Lille, Jack Butland, Josh McEachran and defender for Crystal Palace, Nathaniel Clyne are all still on the list.
Britain’s first women’s football team is also set to star in the London Games later this year. Both teams are going to be playing friendlies as warm-ups for the July 25th tournament start date.