Six of the current Arsenal Ladies squad have been selected to represent Team GB at London 2012.

Stephanie Houghton, Kim Little, Alex Scott, Kelly Smith, Ellen White and Rachel Yankey have all been included in the 18-strong squad which was announced today at Wembley Stadium.

Speaking on her selection, Scott explained: “I am delighted to be named in the squad.

“The Olympics is a massive tournament and I can’t wait to be a part of it, especially with it taking place in my own city. It’s a real once in a lifetime opportunity and I’m determined to make the most of it.

“I’m sure it will be something I can look back on with pride in years to come.”

Women’s football was first included at the Olympic Games in Atlanta 1996 and this year will mark the first time a British squad has competed.

England national coach Hope Powell will lead the squad and takes charge of the first Team GB fixture on July 20 when Sweden are the visitors to the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough for a friendly.

Powell said: “Narrowing my squad down to 18 was very, very tough because of the calibre of player we’ve got coming through now.

“But we were very extensive in our scouting and our research and I believe we have got an excellent squad in terms of quality, balance and strength in depth. They are all current internationals with plenty of experience.”

Team GB will kick off their campaign when they face New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on July 25.