Ramsey and Sturridge included in GB football squad

Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey will play in midfield. Credit: Dominic Lipinski/PA Archive/Press Association Images

Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey and Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge are two of the big names included in the GB squad for the men's football competition at the Olympics. Stuart Pearce's squad consists of 18 players of which 15 must fulfil the under-23 age criteria.

Sturridge, who narrowly missed out on playing for England at Euro 2012, will be joined by his Chelsea team-mate Ryan Bertrand. There are also two Tottenham players and one West Ham player in the squad.

The full squad is:

  • Joe Allen, Swansea

  • Craig Bellamy, Liverpool

  • Ryan Bertrand, Chelsea

  • Jack Butland, Birmingham

  • Steven Caulker, Tottenham

  • Tom Cleverley, Man U

  • Jack Cork, Southampton

  • Craig Dawson, WBA

  • Ryan Giggs, Man U

  • Aaron Ramsey, Arsenal

  • Micah Richards, Man City

  • Danny Rose, Tottenham

  • Scott Sinclair, Swansea

  • Marvin Sordell, Bolton

  • Jason Steele, Middlesbrough

  • Daniel Sturridge, Chelsea

  • Neil Taylor, Swansea

  • James Tomkins, West Ham

The GB men will kick off their campaign on July 26th against Senegal at Old Trafford. However, it is likely to be a tough tournament - the three medal-winning sides will have to play six games in 17 days.

David Beckham was not included in the GB squad. Credit: Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP/Press Association Images

Discussions about David Beckham's omission dominated the press conference this afternoon where the rest of the squad was announced.

Stuart Pearce defended his selection saying he deemed this was the best squad available. He said: "I have vast respect for David and what he's done for the Olympic bid and the English team but I have a job to do.

"I spoke to David on Thursday about his non-inclusion. I know he had a burning passion - I understand that."

Pearce said he had watched Beckham play 3 times in the US and a DVD of every game he has played for LA Galaxy. When asked if he had another role for David he replied he only had seven passes for staff and they were all "chocker".

When asked if any pressure had been put on him to pick Beckham because of ticket sales he replied: "If (the chairman) had said you must pick certain players I probably wouldn't have taken the job."

Pearce said he felt sorry for Beckham given his desire to play in the Olympics but said he picked the squad solely on football terms and had a duty of care to all players.

Chelsea defender Ryan Bertrand, who made the final 18, said he was really looking forward to the tournament, especially being from London. He added: "My family are really happy - and being in London it's not too far for them to travel."