Sir Alex Ferguson: Players can't do Euros and Olympics

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has voiced concerns over players potentially playing in two summer tournaments next year.

The Euro 2012 finals take place in Poland and Ukraine between June 8 and July 1 while the London Olympic Games follow later in July and end in August, close to the start of the new season.

Ferguson feels that the intensity of the English game will mean that players will be exhausted not just for the Olympics but also the Euros.

"The intensity of the English game is second to none. It's an exhausting, exacting season.

"It's why I keep saying I never expect anyone to do well at the Euros or World Cups because it's been such a hard season and it's difficult to do battle again once you've been in a long season in England.

"It's exactly the same with the Olympics. I can't see how the players can raise the bar - they need rest, recovery and recuperation. There's small injuries that can wait during the season but need treating."

Many of the Premier League's top players will be eligible for the new Team GB football team, for which England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce has been named coach.