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The stars who threaten English dominance of Team GB

ESPN staff
June 24, 2011
Aaron Ramsey could take Cesc Fabregas' place in the Arsenal side next season © Getty Images
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England's Under-21 side didn't cover themselves in glory at the European Championship, crashing out in the group stage and threatening the assumption that English youngsters will provide the bulk of the Great Britain side at the 2012 Olympics, which is allowed to feature just three players over the age of 23.

So, with that in mind, we thought we'd take a look at the Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish starlets who can force their way into the team. And what's more, we've suggested a couple of possiblities for over-23 players who are worthy of one of the three slots available. Look out, Mr. Rooney..

Aaron Ramsey, Wales
The Welsh youngster's career was sent hurtling into reverse when he suffered a sickening broken leg against Stoke City during the 2009/2010 campaign, but he bounced back in style in the subsequent season, deputising for Cesc Fabregas towards the end of Arsenal's unsuccessful bid for the Premier League title. The highlight was unquestionably his winning strike as the Gunners defeated Manchester United at Emirates Stadium, a placed effort that showed his ability to ally goals to a devastating range of passing. It is possible that he will step into Fabregas' shoes more often next season - the Spaniard remains a target for Barcelona - and that would provide the perfect warm-up for a place at the heart of the Great Britain midfield.

Grant Hanley, Scotland
With Phil Jones having already exited Blackburn Rovers, and Chris Samba set to follow him out of the door, two vacancies are set to open up in defence at Ewood Park - and Hanley has what it takes to grasp his opportunity, and force his way into the GB reckoning in the process. The 19-year-old appeared seven times for Blackburn during the last season, using his imposing stature to stand out as a worthy successor to Jones. His form earned him his first two Scotland caps during the Nations' Cup at the end of the season.

Gareth Bale, Wales
Once a figure of ridicule in the Premier League, having made 24 appearances for Tottenham Hotspur without being on the winning side, Bale subsequently cast off the shackles of that sluggish start to emerge as one of the finest players in the world, winning the PFA Player of the Year award last season. With the left side of midfield a perennially difficult position for England, Bale looks to be a shoo-in for the GB team - and what's more, he's already made it clear he would be interested in playing at the Olympics. There isn't anything ingenious about what he does on the pitch - get those legs pumping and hit the byline - but that doesn't make it any easier for defenders to stop him; just ask Inter Milan's Maicon, who was given a torrid time by Bale's rampaging runs.

Gareth Bale emerged as a superstar last season, excelling in the Champions League for Tottenham Hotspur © PA Photos
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Josh Carson, Northern Ireland
When players make their full debut for a club, there's always the danger they'll succumb to nerves - a stellar record through the youth ranks doesn't necessarily translate to first-team success. But Ipswich's Carson belied his 18 years by announcing his arrival on the scene with immediate effect: he scored his first two senior goals in a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace then, less than a week later, struck a winner as Bristol City were felled 1-0. Even more impressively, all these strikes came from a midfield berth. He made his full debut against the Republic of Ireland - note how he was thrown in right at the deep end - on May 24, and that represents another rapid step forward on a career that looks set to be full of highlights, with Arsenal and Liverpool already sniffing around him. Set to have a lot of eyes on him next season, and you can expect him to rise to the pressure.

Danny Wilson, Scotland
Wilson's debut for Rangers in October 2009 was so impressive that he earned himself a place in the team one week later, playing in the heart of defence against Unirea Urziceni - in the process becoming the club's youngest-ever Champions League performer. He went on to become Scottish Young Player of the Year that season, and earned a move to Liverpool at the end of it. With creaking legs in the Liverpool defence - Jamie Carragher and Soti Kyrgiakos aren't getting any younger - it's more than possible that he could earn a regular first-team place under fellow Scot Kenny Dalglish next term. His versatility is sure to aid his cause for a GB spot, with Wilson able to operate at full-back as well as centre-half.

Neil Taylor, Wales
Jose Enrique produced a series of laudable performances for Newcastle last season, and now looks set for a summer move to either Liverpool, Arsenal or Manchester United. He will leave behind a big set of shoes to fill, and Taylor looks to be the man who Alan Pardew will entrust with succeeding Enrique at left-back. In his first season with Swansea following a move from Wrexham, the Welshman played an integral role as Brendan Rodgers' side forced their way into the Premier League. He made the step-up from non-league to the Championship look easy, and there's nothing to suggest he won't repeat the trick in the top division, whether at Swansea or Newcastle.

James Forrest, Scotland
Celtic's decision to sign Freddie Ljungberg was greeted with much fanfare, but it was the man who kept him out of the side for long spells, 19-year-old Forrest, who offered the more telling contribution to the Hoops' season. He made 19 appearances in the Celtic first-team last season, and in January was rewarded with a new five-year contract, underlining his importance to Neil Lennon's outfit. Craig Levein also liked what he saw, handing Forrest a Scotland debut in the defeat to the Republic of Ireland in May.

Steven Naismith can sprinkle some stardust on a laboured attack © Getty Images
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Steven Naismith, Scotland - Over 23
The England Under-21 side looked short of ideas in front of goal during the European Championships, and Naismith's creativity could be just the ticket when the Olympics rolls around. He proved last year that he has what it takes to provide as well as score, contributing 11 goals and seven assists in the SPL, earning himself a fresh five-year contract - and place on the shortlist for the Scottish Player of the Year award, where he was the only Rangers player nominated, despite their title win.

Chris Brunt, Northern Ireland - Over 23
In the same vain as Naismith, Brunt's attacking prowess may be enough to earn him a shot at one of the berths allocated to those over 23. He isn't blessed with a lot of pace, but his delivery is second to none - and, with David Beckham unlikely to make the squad, there is a vacancy for a set-piece specialist. And we reckon dead balls could have a crucial role to play, as those in advanced positions are likely to be a little rusty before the start of the season proper. Plus there's every chance that Brunt may be operating at a higher level than West Brom by the time the tournament comes around - Roy Hodgson was rumoured to be on the verge of a bid before his time at Liverpool ran out.

Darren Fletcher, Scotland - Over 23
Once seen as a player indicative of the decline in Manchester United's midfield post-1999, Fletcher has proved his doubters wrong by emerging as a worthy heir to Roy Keane. The Scot's energy is his main asset, with his tireless style inspiring those around him to greater heights, but what particularly appeals is his penchant for the big occasion, and his ability to pop up with a crucial goal in big matches. What won't be in doubt is his appetite for the occasion as, while some players may have one eye on the subsequent Premier League season, Fletcher is guaranteed to offer 100% no matter what the stakes.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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