h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/4206568.stm

Fifa has said that Great Britain must enter a team at the 2012 Olympics.

"The four British associations will not lose the rights and privileges acquired back in 1947," Blatter insisted."They will play with one team but it is up to them how they do it. It can be a mixed team, it can be from just one of the home nations, whatever they want to do."



B

This is going to be an interesting one. British football managers are not used to releasing a load of their players during the pre-season warm up, for them to go play in some glorified under-23 competition.

There were a few releases last time around - Cristiano Ronaldo being one that sticks in the mind. But I can't see this increased number with a British team taking part is going to be popular.

Perhaps we could play the veterans. Like Sky Sports do for the indoor 5-a-side games (I forget the official name) over the summer.

I can see it now: Peter Shilton in goal, Des Walker back in the England team, Lineker up front. And Teddy Sheringham, of course.

B

That won't work. Each team is only allowed three players over the age of 23 in their squad.

That's interesting - who would the three be? A politically correct trio of Ryan Giggs, Stevie Gerrard and Duncan Ferguson?

I just used the words 'politically correct' and 'Duncan Ferguson' in the same sentence...

I really can't see the point in having Football in the Olympics, seeing it's already the most showcased sport in the world. Will be interesting to see who the GB coach will be though, any thoughts?

BTW The Sky Sports show with the football vet's is called "The Masters".

Number Six, are you saying that the 38 year old Ryan Giggs and the 40 year old Duncan Ferguson will be the best players that Wales and Scotland will be able to offer Team GB

And what about Northern Ireland? Can we have someone a bit younger than the 41 year old Neil Lennon?

I am willing to bet that virtually no big name england stars who have already broken into the national side will play.

It is just conceivable that some people on the fringe of international football might play to get some exposure but I personally doubt it.

Does anyone else feel they would find it hard to identify with a GB football team? After being borught up on supporting England, and dislikeing Scotland at footbal could I really get as into a GB team as I do the England team? No.

You are very probably right, FB.

Who's the youngest established English football star? Why, that's our favourite car thief, Mr.Rooney; who'll be 26 and at the peak of his powers in 2012.

There is no way that Real Madrid will let him toddle off for three weeks in the summer

I'm sure there'll be many good car thieves from London, Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow all plying their trades as footballers by then Grey Desk... I also fear that the quality of car theif footballers in Liverpool will go down dramatically after 2008 captial of culture... all these new trendy wine bar owners. We will probably have to borrow from Manchester - they've quite an impressive collection. Sad but true

GD - the way things are looking at the moment, yes!