Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell also sidelined by Stuart Pearce for Olympics
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Everton and England Under-21 midfielder Jack Rodwell has been left out of the Team GB Olympic squad by manager Stuart Pearce, another omission after David Beckham revealed yesterday that he too had not been included in the 18-man group, which has not yet been announced.
Pearce's decision to leave out Beckham, despite including the 37-year-old in his 35-man shortlist this month, captured the headlines yesterday, with the three players over the age of 23 permitted under the rules set to be Ryan Giggs, Craig Bellamy and Micah Richards. Beckham released a statement yesterday, saying that he was "very disappointed" to be left out.
Rodwell, 21, had been one of the faces of the Team GB squad, posing in the Stella McCartney-designed Adidas Team GB strip during last season. He has been plagued by hamstring problems, however, having won his first England caps against Spain and Sweden in November.
Chris Smalling and Kyle Walker, who were kept out the Euro 2012 squad by injury, will also miss out. Their non-availability is what is understood to have directed Pearce towards selecting Richards ahead of Beckham, in order to give himself more defensive cover.
Among the under-23 players, Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale are expected to be selected by Pearce when he submits his final 18 to the British Olympic Association.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments