Rodwell the first England player to wear Team GB shirt
Published 15:18 07/11/11 By MirrorFootball
Jack Rodwell, who was called into Fabio Capello's squad today, has become the first England player to be photographed in a Team GB commemorative Olympics shirt.
The Everton midfielder, who is now in the senior England squad for the friendlies against Spain and Sweden, follows Wales internationals Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey in being pictured in the shirt.
The shirt is not the official Team GB football kit - that will be launched next year - but is a "limited edition commemorative shirt" that has been created by adidas, the official sportswear partner for London 2012 Olympics.
The emergence of the photos of Bale and Ramsey were controversial given that the Football Association of Wales is officially opposed to Welsh players taking part in the Olympics team.
Rodwell, 20, appears to be nailed on to be part of the Olympics squad - he has been a regular for the England under-21s, whose manager Stuart Pearce is also the Olympics team head coach.
In the men's competition, the Olympic squads are for under-23s though three over-age players are permitted.
Ramsey said last week: "If we have the opportunity to play, why not? You're representing Great Britain in the Olympics. Having the chance to win a gold medal doesn't come around very often.
"Players, if given the opportunity, should go ahead and do it; I don't see what the problem is. I've spoken to Gareth Bale and he's up for it. I think the Welsh are fine with it. It's up to the players."
Great Britain has not entered a team for the Olympics since 1972 and last qualified in 1960.
