• London 2012 Olympics

No Euro 2012 players in Team GB squad - Pearce

ESPN staff
December 16, 2011
Stuart Pearce talks to the media following a press conference © Getty Images
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Stuart Pearce is unlikely to have the likes of Jack Wilshere and Wayne Rooney at his disposal for London 2012 after he confirmed he will not select any player for Team GB if they have played a part in England's Euro 2012 campaign.

It means players such as Wilshere, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, who are expected to be named in Fabio Capello's Three Lions squad for next summer's European Championships, will not be part of the British team even though they are under 23.

Rooney, who could have been selected as an over-age player, looks set to miss out on the Games after Pearce admitted the selection policy was a "sensible football decision". However, it could pave the way for David Beckham, who is unlikely to feature for England next summer.

"We have had discussions as we come now to notifying the long list of the players who could potentially be selected and it is important to make clear what we have agreed regarding England players who will be at Euro 2012," Pearce said.

"We have agreed that any player who boards the plane to the European Championship in Ukraine and Poland will not be considered for selection to Team GB.

"It's a sensible football decision when you consider the demands on players, and it now leaves no room for doubt for players and their clubs about next summer and the two major tournaments."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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