Stuart Pearce is hopeful that all four of the Home Nations' football federations will allow their players to represent Great Britain at the Olympics.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are reluctant to allow their players to compete for Team GB as they fear they could lose their individual status with FIFA.
There was uproar recently when Wales's Gareth Bale was pictured in a Team GB kit, but Pearce believes that the players should have the chance to play.
"All the federations should support this team," said Pearce. "I can't make people do that if it is what is in their hearts and brains.
"But it's a great chance to be part of history. It is the chance of a lifetime. It always boils down to what is best for the player.
"If a player wants to come and be part of it - and I know damn sure I would want to be involved in it - this is me picking from four nations. That's how it should be."
Pearce, the current England Under-21s manager, was recently confirmed as manager of the Great Britain football team for the 2012 Olympics.
