This whole Olympic thing has turned into a bit of bun fight.
The stadium is set to become a Championship football ground and the only people guaranteed to get tickets for events are those on the fat cat gravy train. Relatives of competing athletes may have to watch their loved ones on TV.
So to lighten the mood he’s FootballFanCast’s GB Olympic XI!
The ruling for the Olympic teams is the players must be 23 years of age or under; although three players over that age can also be included within the squad.
Joe Hart
By a distance the best goalkeeper England have produced since David Seaman and better than any alternative the other home nations have produced recently. Although young Welsh goalkeeper Chris Maxwell, 20, has been attracting widespread critical acclaim, it is of vital importance to have a solid keeper, and there a few pretenders for Hart’s number 1 jersey who could fight for a place between the sticks between now and next summer.
Kyle Walker
The right-back position has caused particular consternation for the England senior team since Gary Neville’s decline after the 2006 World Cup. Several options have been experimented with and although Glen Johnson currently retains a starting berth, many have earmarked Walker for a continued feature in Fabio Capello’s plans for the not too distant future.
He excelled on loan at Villa Park last season, appeared for the Under-21s in Denmark earlier this month and qualifies as an under-23 by the time the Olympics commence next August.
Aaron Hughes
The one representative from Northern Ireland and selected as one of three over-aged players. Signed by Fulham when former national coach Lawrie Sanchez was in charge at Craven Cottage and will work under his fourth manager in London in as many years after the appointment of Martin Jol earlier this month.
He has developed a solid partnership with Brede Hangeland over the past few seasons and his consistent displays have contributed immeasurably to Fulham’s rapid progress in the time he has played for the club.
Chris Smalling
It wasn’t so long ago that Smalling was an unknown youngster playing for Maidstone United. A meteoric rise to stardom followed soon after his capture by Fulham three years ago and a reported £10million move to Manchester United was secured last summer.
Played every minute of England Under-21s ultimately unsuccessful campaign in Denmark but is considered the long-term replacement for Rio Ferdinand at Old Trafford.
Next year will be an important season for the youngster as he looks to feature more prominently and has fresh competition in the form of £16.5million signing Phil Jones, who he played alongside this month at the European Under-21 Championships.
Kieron Gibbs
Despite facing competition for the left-back position at Arsenal with Gael Clichy, Gibbs’ talent has been so obvious that he has already featured 50 times for the Gunners and has achieved 2 full England caps. Has been considered the long-term solution when Ashley Cole eventually retires and is a shoe-in for the role at next year’s Olympics.
Theo Walcott
Already capped 17 times for his country’s senior side and played in well over 100 Premier League fixtures, there are very few legitimate competitors fighting Walcott for the right-wing position.
Slowly developing year on year and recently completed his most prolific season at the Emirates, the former Southampton striker will be one of the most important members of the Team GB squad next summer.
Charlie Adam
Blackpool’s skipper was the focus of widespread rumours involving clubs like Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal during a spectacular first season in the Premiership. The one Scottish representative and the final over-age participant, Adam could be the most considerable influence in an otherwise young squad and would be my selection for captain.
Jack Wilshere
Without doubt the most technically gifted English midfielder produced in years and was trusted in 49 games by Arsene Wenger last season despite only turning 19 in January.
Although his manager retains a stubborn stance regarding international participation, which saw Wilshere omitted from the Under-21 squad which recently travelled to Denmark, he should be guaranteed a starting place in London next August alongside Adam.
Gareth Bale
After a slow start to life at Tottenham, Bale produced a near faultless campaign on the left side of Spurs’ midfield last season and was deservedly awarded the PFA Player of the Year honour for his efforts. Will turn 23 just before the start of the Olympics and is the only Welsh representative in the team, but is undoubtedly the most important attacking threat Team GB will possess.
Danny Wellbeck
At 20, Welbeck has already received his first full England cap following an impressive campaign on loan at Sunderland.
His performances were eye-catching enough to convince Sir Alex Ferguson to keep hold of the striker for next season and beyond, and was one of few positive aspects that returned to England after the disappointment of the Under-21’s European Championship campaign having scored both goals the side scored in their three games.
He will have to fight Javier Hernandez for a place in the United side over the next twelve months but is unlikely to face much competition for a place in Team GB in 2012.
Andy Carroll
Despite his tender years, Carroll has already become the most expensive English player of all time when Liverpool chose to spend £35million to gamble on the 6ft 3inch forward being a suitable replacement for Fernando Torres at Anfield.
Scored 13 goals overall for his new club and Newcastle last season and his sheer physical presence and propensity for quick, powerful shots should be enough to guarantee Carroll a place up-front alongside Welbeck.
