Gordon Brown: GB football team for 2012

Thursday, 18, Jan 2007 01:09

Chancellor Gordon Brown says he "expects" Great Britain will field a side at the 2012 Olympics.

The would-be prime minister said with the global sporting event coming to British shores it was natural that the associations could get together to provide a combined side.

"Obviously we have Scottish national teams for the European and World Cups, but right from the start of the Olympics it's been a UK team," he said.

"I would expect there to be a UK football team."
The move has long been mooted but met with resistance by some national football associations, particularly Scotland, which is concerned it could dilute its standing in Fifa's hierarchy and lead to calls to merge with the FAs of England, Ireland and Wales.

With the chancellor's comments coming as the 300-year union between England and Scotland is under intense scrutiny, the issue is sure to attract attention.

Fans are divided on the issue, with the Tartan Army, Scotland's band of travelling supporters, expressing their displeasure at such a notion.

A spokesman today quipped: "If [the GB team] included 11 Scots in the starting line-up, it would be of no interest to the Tartan Army."

Debate over who would make up a Great Britain team has long been a favourite topic of pub speculation, but it could become a reality if the chancellor's wish is granted and underline the emergence of the Olympics as an important football trophy.

Typically overlooked by British fans of all nationalities, the prize has been highly sought after by other countries, particularly by Brazil, who have never won it.

How Great Britain might line upManager

Sir Alex Ferguson (Scotland)

First XI

Craig Gordon (Scotland)

Gareth Bale (Wales)
John Terry (England)
Rio Ferdinand (England)
Gary Neville (England)

Ryan Giggs (Wales)
Steven Davis (N Ireland)
Steven Gerrard (England)
Aaron Lennon (England)

Wayne Rooney (England)
Craig Bellamy (Wales)

Subs

David Healey (N Ireland)
James McFadden (Scotland)
Owen Hargreaves (England)
Barry Ferguson (Scotland)
Frank Lampard (England)

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