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Team GB: Who should Stuart Pearce select?

Team GB: Who should Stuart Pearce select?
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In a few weeks' time Stuart Pearce will be naming the 18-man squad that will make up the Team GB football squad. Here, Sports Mole selects a crop of players that Pearce might be considering for the tournament.

Stuart Pearce has reportedly notified 191 players from the British Isles that they are being considered for selection to Team GB's football team at the London Olympics this summer.

The Football Associations of Wales and Scotland have made no secret of their wish for their players not to be part of the squad.

However, Pearce is believed to be ignoring their requests and is intent on selecting the best players available to him.

With that in mind, Sports Mole has chosen the 18 players that we believe could guide Great Britain to a medal.

Goalkeepers

Jack Butland, Birmingham City: With the likes of Joe Hart, Robert Green and Scott Carson likely to be required for club duty, Pearce could well call upon young Butland. The 18-year-old, currently on loan at Cheltenham Town, has made six appearances under Pearce for the England Under-21 side.

Ben Amos, Manchester United: Having recently made his Premier League debut for United, Amos's stock has begun to rise in recent weeks. The 21-year-old is another of Pearce's youth products.

Defenders

Kieran Gibbs, Arsenal: Gibbs is unlikely to receive a call from the England manager for Euro 2012, meaning that the left-back could well be given the nod for the Olympics. Despite being just 22, Gibbs has a host of experience, including outings in the Champions League.

Martin Kelly, Liverpool: Having broken into the Liverpool side on a regular basis over the last 18 months, Kelly's experience could prove vital among a young squad. A defender with an eye for a goal, Kelly has scored three goals at international youth level.

Gavin Hoyte, Arsenal: Currently on loan at AFC Wimbledon, Hoyte is a versatile defender who can fill in at right-back or centre-back. Has made one Premier League appearance for the Gunners.

Chris Gunter, Nottingham Forest: Despite the reluctance of the Welsh FA, Gunter has made it known that he would find it hard to turn down a call from Stuart Pearce. The 22-year-old is currently Wales's right-back.

Aaron Hughes, Fulham: In what will be a largely inexperienced squad, veteran defender Hughes would provide some much-needed know-how to the squad. The Northern Ireland international would take one of the three over-23-year-old spots.

Chris Smalling, Manchester United: It may not please Sir Alex Ferguson, but Smalling's ability would be extremely useful at the Olympics. A lot may depend upon his selection for Euro 2012.

Midfielders

Gareth Bale, Tottenham Hotspur: Bale is another Welsh international who has indicated that he would be willing to represent Team GB at the Olympics. With clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid said to be interested in his services, the winger could well be one of the stand-out players at the tournament.

Aaron Ramsey, Arsenal: An international colleague of Bale, Ramsey would fill one of the central midfield roles for Team GB. Like Bale, Ramsey has no qualms about pulling on a Team GB shirt despite his FA's disapproval.

Ryan Giggs, Manchester United: Having not had the opportunity to represent his country at an international tournament, Giggs has gone on record to say that he would welcome an Olympic call. A major international competition is the only thing missing from Giggs's extensive CV.

David Beckham, LA Galaxy: With his England career now over, Beckham has made it known that he is keen on securing a place in the Team GB squad. Whether it be a marketing tool or not, Beckham's dead ball deliveries could prove effective.

Jack Rodwell, Everton: Rodwell is another youngster that has broken into the senior England squad under the guidance of Pearce. The England international recently admitted that he would relish the chance to represent his nation at the Olympics.

James McCarthy, Wigan Athletic: McCarthy's performances this season in Wigan shirt has seen a number of pundits call for his participation at the Olympics. His energy levels would help along veterans Giggs and Beckham.

Strikers

Jordan Rhodes, Huddersfield Town: There has not been a more prolific striker in English football this season than English international Rhodes. The former Ipswich Town frontman is on course to reach the 40-goal mark before the season is out.

Connor Wickham, Sunderland: Injuries this season have prevented young Wickham from enjoying an extended run in the Sunderland side. However, when he has been deemed fit enough to play, his performances have caused panic for some Premier League defenders.

Wilfried Zaha, Crystal Palace: Although not a natural striker, Zaha would provide the link between midfield and frontmen. Zaha is a lively attacker who has attracted the reported interest of Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle United.

Marvin Sordell, Bolton Wanderers: Now at Bolton, Sordell's form during the first part of the season for Watford caught the attention of Pearce. The 21-year-old has pace that can cause problems for any defence.

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