Powell faces up to selection challenge

Great Britain coach Hope Powell has admitted June's European Championship double-header will cause her a few Olympic selection headaches.

Whilst male counterpart Stuart Pearce intends to name his squad by the middle of next month, Powell will not be able to follow suit until the end of June.

Olympic planning is going to be difficult for Powell with England having two European Championship matches in June against Holland and Slovenia.

"It is quite challenging but we knew that would be the case so we will have to name the squad very late after those qualifiers," said Powell.

"It is a challenge but I have spoken to the managers from the other home nations.

"They have all been supportive and are helping with the long list."

Britain will take on New Zealand in the first event of the entire Games on July 25, two days before the opening ceremony.

In addition to New Zealand, Britain will also take on Cameroon in Group E, also in Cardiff, with a mouthwatering fixture against Brazil to close the pool stages, at Wembley, on July 31.

"It was highlighted to me some time ago, when our dates were confirmed, that our first game would be at the Millennium Stadium," said Powell. "It is the opener and I am really excited by the prospect. The press could be unprecedented.

"That is a good thing. It gives us an opportunity to showcase the sport and raise the profile of women's football in this country."