Team GB: Olympic Football

[Kasabian]

So, it's been revealed today that Ryan Giggs, Craig Bellamy and Micah Richards have been chosen as the 'over-aged' players for Team GB.

What are your thoughts?

Giggs is a superb left mid, and despite coming of age, he still has a natural talent. I don't rate Bellamy at all, bit of a journeyman in terms of clubs and hasn't impressed me since he was at Newcastle. Micah Richards is a rock, how he didn't get picked for England and Glenn Johnson did is beyond me.

Now for the main debate; Should Beckham have been picked for the squad?

In my opinion, yes. If you follow MLS, you'd known Beckham still has 'it'. Such a natural footballer if ever there was one. Ok, he hasn't got pace, but with the brain and ability he has, you don't need it. Pearce has gone on record saying he picked Richards over Beckham, because he felt he needed more defensive cover. You look at England, N.Ireland, Wales & Scotland, there are a hell of alot of good young defenders, so I don't think Richards was needed, and I would have chosen Beckham. Not to mention he played a strong part in the bid for the olympics, and also went on record to say he would love to captain the team. Shame.

[DPS]

NO BECKHAM? R U KIDDING ME LMAOOOOO THIS IS GOING TO FAIL HARD

[Suspective]

Shame for Beckham he's been denied one last 'hurrah' for his country. He has the passion and the determination and that's something Team GB could have used well. I suspect with the three they've picked they might just see it as a chore, and be using it as a stop gap before their summer holiday.

[Kasabian]

The team has been announced;

Squad: J Allen (Swansea), C Bellamy (Liverpool), R Bertrand (Chelsea), J Butland (Birmingham), S Caulker (Tottenham), T Cleverley (Manchester United), J Cork (Southampton), C Dawson (West Brom), R Giggs (Manchester United), A Ramsey (Arsenal), M Richards (Manchester City), D Rose (Tottenham), S Sinclair (Swansea), M Sordell (Bolton), J Steele (Middlesbrough), D Sturridge (Chelsea), N Taylor (Swansea), J Tomkins (West Ham).

Interesting squad to say the least. 13 English, 5 Welsh. Can name a few Scottish/N.Irish that could have been taken, but it was fairly obvious that it would be English bias.

[Shockwave.2CC]

Wow! I'm surprised how many players from Swansea are in there

[SackRace]

Why is it called "Team GB" when there's no Scotland players in it, it should be mixed.

[Kasabian]

Why is it called "Team GB" when there's no Scotland players in it, it should be mixed.

It was never going to be a true Team GB, because there are better English players than Scottish. I thought they would have said a minimum from each country though.

[luce]

There is that whole 3 over 23 players thing and Giggs Bel and Rich got the places. I would have taken Rich, because he didn't get picked in the Euro 2012 because he didn't really start for City in the latter parts of the season, but is still a very good defender. I wouldn't have thought twice about taking Giggs because he started for United as much as his age would allow him. So that leaves Bel out and Beckham in. He rarely started for Liverpool and when he came on to make and impact, he really didn't, it was Kuyt who was their impact striker so Bel was bad at his own role.

Also on him being captain, I can't think of a better candidate, who else would motivate all those U23 players who are young and building their game and give them a sense of pride for the Olympics than the man himself. He's been there and done it with United and probably was in his hay day when these players like Cleverly and co. were growing up.

However all this aside you can't help be weeping at the disparity in class between team GB and the Spanish team, who are second choice but still world class.

Still all the best, I will be following and supporting them, because I love football!

[Ardemax]

I don't know why everyone is so outraged about Becks not being picked. I don't think he's got anything on the up and coming players in the PL and that's really why he hasn't been chosen. He has no "reserved right" to be in the team, so why does everyone believe he should have?

Sure, it would have been nice to see Beckham there just for the nostalgia element, but if you don't get picked I don't see why you should kick up a massive fuss about it like he did.

Had the Olympics been in London 4-8 years ago I think it would be a different story...

[luce]

Giggs has been names captain of the team this morning. Can't say im surprised and obviously i'm happy because he's a legend at United - however let the debates begin!