Manchester United defender holds Olympics hope
Chris Smalling has confirmed that he is eager to play in both Euro 2012 and the Olympic Games should he be chosen, however he is adamant that he is currently focusing on Manchester United.
The European Championships are to be hosted in Poland and Ukraine from 8th June to 1st July, whilst the London Olympics starts just over three weeks after, starting on the 25th July until the 12th August, which is also just a week before the 2012/2013 Premier League season starts.
Meanwhile, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has made no secret about his displeasure of his players participating in both competitions, and publically criticised the schedule along with his Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger.
Smalling is only 21-years-old so therefore would be able to play for Stuart Pearce’s Olympic squad, however following impressive performances since his £10million to Old Trafford, he has broken into Fabio Capello’s England squad.
A decision is expected to be made by the FA to decide on whether any players will be selected for both competitions, however it looks likely that players will be chosen for one or the other.
The Manchester United defender would relish the chance to feature in either of the tournaments, but has admitted he remains focus with the Red Devils and says his club currently takes priority.
“I have to say that England is not my first target at the moment and neither are the Olympics,” Smalling told the Manchester Evening News.
“United is what I am thinking about.
“But towards the end of the season I will be looking towards that and hopefully I might get into the England squad. Obviously I’d love to go there.
Smalling added, “There is also the Olympics as well. A lot of the lads who went to the Under-21 Championships last summer will be able to play in it.
“Whether it’s the Euros, the Olympics, or both – you would like to be involved because these opportunities do not come around too often.”
