London's Casey Stoney captains the Team GB women's football team

Former Arsenal, Charlton and Chelsea defender to captain Team GB in women’s football

Casey Stoney, captain of the women’s football side for Team GB at London 2012, admitted she had never dreamed of playing at an Olympic Games.

The Basildon-born 30-year-old, who has played for Arsenal, Charlton and Chelsea, was named as skipper by head coach Hope Powell for the games.

“To be selected for the Olympics in your home country is amazing,” said Stoney.

“I’m 30 now and I’ve been doing this a long time. I never ever dreamed I would play in the Olympics because we’ve never had a women’s football team.”

“It’s absolutely fantastic. I think it will be one of the biggest sporting events this country has ever seen.”