The political problems at the heart of Team’s GB Olympic football team

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are all less than enthused by the prospect of a combined team leaving the newly-appointed interim coach of England with plenty to puzzle over

England coach Hege Riise (The FA via Getty Images)

There are easier things to deal with on your first day in a new job than a healthy bout of Home Nations politics.

But that’s what’s in Hege Riise’s in-tray after she was confirmed as head coach of Great Britain’s women’s football team for the rescheduled Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer.

England secured Team GB’s place with their performance at the 2019 World Cup and the FA have confirmed the Lionesses’ interim coach as the person in charge for the tournament.

That should get the England players onside but what about the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish contenders?

Scottish and Welsh Football Associates are both ‘not supportive’ of a combined team while Northern Ireland’s governing body have only said: “we won’t stop our players playing.”

“I don’t know if I’m the right person to answer that,” Riise said when quizzed about tensions surrounding her upcoming selection. “I think I will need to leave that.”

That is perhaps the perfect answer to an unanswerable problem, allowing Baroness Sue Campbell and selectors to focus on harnessing the enthusiasm of eligible players.

Wales have Jess Fishlock and Hayley Ladd, Northern Ireland have Rachel Furness and Scotland no shortage of top stars like Kim Little, Caroline Weir and Erin Cuthbert.

That means only a significant increase on the two non-English players who made the 18-strong Team GB squad for London 2012 will suffice.

“All players have a chance to be selected,” said Riise. “That’s the benefit I have coming from outside, I can just pick the players to go into an Olympics and do well. I have a great team of staff watching all the players we need to see. I’m confident.”

Baroness Campbell, who has forgotten more than most know about the politics of British sport, pointed to a consensus among warring associations.

“The Home Nations understand that selection must be based on the players’ ability to help us win this tournament,” she said.

“We’ve involved them every step of the way, we value and respect their independence. They are absolutely committed to wanting their players to get that opportunity.

“Our job is to show Hege the evidence to help her pick the 18 players that can go there and do well for us.”

A long list of British players is being trimmed down to 35 this week. The all-important 18-strong squad will be named in May ahead of domestic training camps in June and July.

Riise’s appointment to the Team GB role was made after a consultation with the Lionesses’s leadership team, which fed back another change in regime was not welcome ahead of July.

The Norwegian’s experience of the Olympic environment is treasured by Campbell and the FA. It’s set to be tested by Covid-19 restrictions and if things go well, six games in 17 days with a small squad in punishing Japanese heat.

“All of the research shows us those who haven’t been to an Olympics before really struggle, and that includes coaches,” Campbell said.

“The Games are unique and very different to a World Cup. It’s 26 World Cups happening simultaneously. Hege has been there as a player and a coach.

“Physical preparation is going to be top of our list,” she continued. “This is going to be tough. We’ll need to be mentally strong."