By David Gold
September 17 – Britain’s Olympic football teams will be staying at the Athletes’ Village during the London 2012 Games, ditching their usual pre-match home of the Grove hotel in Watford, The Football Association has announced.
The governing body of English football made the decision to ensure that the footballers are part of the Team GB set up during the Games, and it means that stars such as David Beckham (pictured) and Gareth Bale could be staying in Stratford for much of the Olympics.
Beckham has spoken of his desire to play for Team GB at the Olympics, and his box office appeal seems likely to win him a place in the squad barring injury, whilst Bale and Wales teammate Aaron Ramsey are set to feature.
Both have expressed a desire to play despite reluctance from Wales, as well as Scotland and Northern Ireland, to allow their players to compete and a British collective team.
Their chances are also boosted by squad rules, which state that only three players can be over the age of 23, meaning that the duo, who will be 23 and 21-years-old when the Olympics kick off, are likely to win selection.
With 1.5 million football tickets still available to the public next year, other big names could be rolled out to encourage fans to watch the British team, though the participation of stars such as Wayne Rooney are likely to be resisted by club sides.
The FA has also said that players participating in the European Championships in Ukraine and Poland next year, which England will qualify for if they avoid defeat in their final qualifier with Montenegro next month, are unlikely to play in the Olympic Games, further reducing the possibility of a player like Rooney taking part.
It also means other youngsters such as Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere are also likely to stay at home during the Olympics, rather than join up with Team GB in East London.
Stuart Pearce and Hope Powell are the favourites to select and coach the squads during the Olympic Games, though the women’s post has also attracted interest from the likes of former Arsenal assistant manager Emma Hayes and current Estonia boss Keith Boanas.
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