By David Gold at Wembley Stadium in London
July 2 – Ryan Giggs and Craig Bellamy, as expected, defied the wishes of the Football Association of Wales (FAW) when they were confirmed by Team GB men’s football coach Stuart Pearce as part of his 18-man squad for the London 2012 Olympics here today.
Manchester United’s Giggs (pictured above) has played 64 times for Wales and Liverpool’s Bellamy 69, but as reported widely last week, LA Galaxy star David Beckham is not in Pearce’s squad.
Welshmen Joe Allen, his Swansea teammate Neil Taylor and national team captain Aaron Ramsey, who plays for Arsenal, were also selected against the FAW wishes in a squad that sees a total of five non English players.
“It has not been an easy task to finalise my squad for this tournament, and the stature of the competition and uniqueness of the occasion has underlined the importance of every choice I have made,” said Pearce (pictured above, left), also the under-21 England team manager.
“With just 18 places it is very different from other international tournaments, the options are limited, but it is the Olympic Games and every player in this squad should be very proud they have a chance to compete for a gold medal on home soil.”
Like Scotland and Northern Ireland’s respective football associations, the FAW fears that the inclusion of their players in Team GB will compromise their future status as independent football nations, however, no players from either Scotland or Northern Ireland were selected in the squad.
On the Welsh players Pearce added: “I would expect and hope that when I have supported a Team GB member I have not looked at their individual nationality.
“I see them as a British participant.
“I have been blown away by the mentality of the Welsh players to be part of the squad.”
The “united” home nations team is competing together for the first time since a failed bid to qualify for the Munich 1972 Games.
One high profile Welshman also not participating in the Olympics is Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale, missing through injury.
Three players over the age of 23 are allowed to be selected for the men’s football, with Micah Richards (pictured above) of Manchester City the third in addition to Giggs and Bellamy.
Bellamy had revealed in June that he had been selected.
“After a 52 year absence from the Olympic Games, it is fantastic to welcome the men’s football squad to Team GB,” said Team GB Chef de Mission Andy Hunt (pictured in second picture, right).
“Representing your country at the Olympic Games is unique, a very special experience and I am sure this talented and determined group of footballers will play a full part as members of Team GB.”
Joining the Welsh quintet are Chelsea’s Ryan Bertrand and Daniel Sturridge, Tottenham Hotspur pair Steven Caulker and Danny Rose, Manchester United’s Tom Cleverley, Southampton’s Jack Cork, Swansea City Scott Sinclair and West Ham United’s James Tomkins.
Birmingham City goalkeeper Jack Butland is the only player selected who was part of this summer’s European Championship squad, and is one of only three players competing outside of the Premier League.
Among the lesser known players also making Pearce’s squad are Bolton Wanderers’ Marvin Sordell, Middlesbrough Jason Steele and West Bromwich Albion’s Craig Dawson.
Pearce revealed today he has not yet decided who will captain the squad, although Giggs’ experience may make him an obvious candidate.
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