Football version of the British and Irish Lions

Article by e-Football Deputy Editor Antony Moule (UK)

As a bit of fun and to crossover my sporting interests, this article will look at a potential starting 11 and substitutes for a British and Irish Lions football team.

For those who are unaware of the British and Irish Lions; it is an amalgamation of professional rugby union players from England, Scotland, Wales and both Northern and Republic of Island. This squad then tours one of Australia, South Africa or New Zealand every four years, rotating through each country. The competition is a best out of 3 'tests' or matches between the Lions and the host country. At the moment Lions are in Australia, but what would a football equivalent team look like.

Test Team

GK- Joe Hart - England
Joe hart is not only the best goal keeper for a British team, but he features on any list of best goalies in the world.

DL- Leighton Baines - England
Not much contention for this spot. Cole has somewhat had his day, and it is time for Baines to take the rains at left back.

DC- Gary Cahill - England
Gary Cahill is a solid defender, good on the ball and reads the game well. Is probably England's best centre back, which gives him a slot in this team.

DC- Ashley Williams - Wales
Williams may surprise some of you, but he is a top Premier League performer, captaining Swansea to respectable finishes in the EPL. Similar player to Cahill.

DR- Kyle Walker - England
Again, another pick up for debate, but the young Englishman has bags of potential. Lightening quick; there are few wingers in the world this lad cannot keep up with.

MC- Aaron Ramsey - Wales
Ramsey is constantly blighted with injury, but always shows he is capable of dictating play from the DLP position. Great passing ability and vision.

MC- Michael Carrick - England
The Man United senior had a hugely productive season. He played a huge instrumental part in their title win, and showed such a variety of skills to his game. Similar to Ramsey, is a great DPL, but it was his understanding and execution of his defensive duties that got him in this team.

AML- Gareth Bale - Wales
Well, it was only a matter if where to put the Welsh wizard in this team. I do not need to go on and describe his lad, but laying him on the left, with freedom to roam will give any team a run for their money.

AMC- Jack Wilshere - England
Wilshere would play a core role in the development of attacks for this team. He regularly shows his versatility, but his desire, eagerness and hard working attitude really form a great model for all tourists.

AMR- Aaron Lennon - England
Another selection some may disagree with, but Lennon had a solid season at Tottenham Hotspur. He should great development if his game; finding assist and goals consistently. Walcott was up for this slot, but with Bale already taking the roaming role, I did not want to creat a narrow, cluster attack by selecting the Arsenal man.

ST- Wayne Rooney - England (tour captain)
Mr Rooney, his quality is of no doubt. He can find the net with both boot and head, but he also shares the same die hard attitude as Wilshere behind him. Rooney also plays the game smartly, with a great padding range and clever runs. He would also captain this side, with the quality to hold down a first team spot, and the respect of his peers.

Substitutes
Jack Butland - England
Micah Richards - England
Phil Jones - England
Shaun Maloney - Scotland
Joe Allen - Wales
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - England
Daniel Sturridge - England

A few words on the substitutes selected. Butland for me is a top goalie, and looking at the other options, the best back up to Hart. Jones and Richards share the quality of versatility, the can both play full back and centre back, and are both fast, strong and athletic. Maloney is probably considered an odd selection, but he is a very good player. Lots of skill on the ball, and can fulfil either a DPL or AMC role. I

I must admit, the selection of Joe Allen is somewhat motivated by wanting to have a far share of non-English players, but he also adds depth to the Carrick/Ramsey position. Sturridge and Chamberlain offer options across the attacking midfield line and upfront, with disrupting the teams playing style.

So there you have it, my British and Irish Lions football team. There is such a deference between selecting this team compared to the a rugby version, and that is; in rugby the talent is spread out across the four nations, but in football, it is hugely difficult to find a similar spread.

Hope you enjoyed this bit of fun. Why not let us know your British and Irish team and subs on Facebook or Twitter #FootballBILions

Comment on this article below!

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