KEELY HODGKINSON, Dina Asher-Smith and Katarina Johnson-Thompson have been named in a strong Great Britain team for the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham.

The high-profile trio all missed the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Olympic champion Hodgkinson (800m) and Asher-Smith (100m) will aim to defend their European titles at Alexander Stadium next month, when Britain hosts the championships for the first time from August 10-16.

Johnson-Thompson, who was forced to withdraw from the 2024 edition in Rome through injury, will return to compete in the heptathlon, having claimed silver at the Paris Olympics.

Amy Hunt, who won 200m silver at last year’s world championships in Tokyo, will bid for European glory over both 100m and 200m.

GB & Northern Ireland performance director Paula Dunn said: “This team reflects the strength and depth of talent we have across track and field, bringing together established international medallists alongside an exciting group of emerging athletes.

“I have every confidence that this team will rise to the occasion and represent Great Britain & Northern Ireland with great pride in Birmingham this summer.”

Birmingham-born Matt Hudson-Smith, the 400m Olympic silver medallist and four-time European champion, will be a big favourite with the home crowd.

The squad also includes 1500m pair Georgia Hunter Bell and Laura Muir, 1500m world champion Jake Wightman and world indoor 400m champion Amber Anning.

But Scotland’s Josh Kerr, who set a new mile world record in London earlier this month, has opted out.

Dunn said: “It is worth noting that the European Championships were never part of Josh Kerr’s 2026 race programme, with his season being built around his successful world record attempt and representing Scotland in his home Commonwealth Games.

“His intentions were communicated in advance and we supported his decisions around his race programme.”