As the Olympic Trials were held less than a week before the European Championships, the complete team was not announced until 25 June 2012.

However, automatically selected field athletes were permitted to compete, if the event complimented their training schedule.

Reigning European champion, Mo Farah (5,000m), was given special dispensation to defend his title.

However, reigning champions Jessica Ennis and Dai Greene were absent due to their Olympic selection and Philips Idowu was injured.

Shana Cox and Christine Ohuruogu had qualified for the Olympics, and were taken as part of the relay team, and not permitted to participate individually.