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Rooney could go to both Euros and London 2012

Wayne Rooney could go to both the European Championships and London 2012 © PA Photos

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Wayne Rooney could well be selected for the Great Britain squad for the football tournament at London 2012, should his ban for the opening three games of the European Championships be upheld.

The Manchester United forward is facing the prospect of missing out on much of next summer's tournament in Poland and Ukraine, after being banned for the entirety of the group stages - subject to an appeal - following his red card in England's recent qualification match against Montenegro.

The possibility that Rooney may not even play at the European Championships - if England fail to escape their group - has opened the door to the prospect of the 25-year-old also being picked in Team GB's Olympic squad later in the summer, although the Football Association will leave Stuart Pearce - who was unveiled as the men's team manager on Thursday - and Fabio Capello to make the decision.

"I think this is something Stuart would have to have a view on," director of communications Adrian Bevington said. "But the priority for Wayne Rooney and the England men's senior team is the European Championship. We're awaiting UEFA's written reasons following the incident a few weeks ago.

"Our real hope is Wayne can be available for the championship. Once we know where we stand it's one for Stuart and Fabio."

Officials had previously suggested that players picked for one tournament would not then be available for the other, but that stance appears to be softening in the wake of Rooney's predicament.

"What we don't want to do is lock ourselves in," Bevington added. "I think we're aware of the challenges that would be presented for any player to play in both tournaments. Any of the situations would have to be managed sensitively and sensibly."

Club sides are also likely to have a say in whether their players are called up for the Olympics, although with the final due to take place on the same day as the Community Shield, players' participation would only mildly affect domestic campaigns.

Lionel Messi was forced to resort to legal action to compel Barcelona to release him for the event in Beijing three years ago, and Pearce mentioned the Argentina international frequently at his unveiling as team coach - hinting that he hopes the similarly high-profile Rooney could follow his example.

"They have seen Messi as the role model. Major tournaments, especially on home soil, don't come around very often," Pearce said. "I think there will be a real groundswell from the players who want to be part of this."

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