Gareth Barry has confirmed he has been told by coach Fabio Capello he will not be involved when England begin their quest to end a 44-year wait for World Cup glory against USA on Saturday (4/9 England, 16/5 draw, 13/2 USA – totesport match betting).
The Rustenburg opener comes too soon for the fit-again Manchester City midfielder, who is short of match sharpness given that he has only just returned to light training following a serious ankle injury towards the end of the domestic season.
England coach Capello had always had in mind the deadline of June 13 for former Aston Villa favourite Barry to step up his recovery, so confirmation that the 29-year-old will not feature against Bob Bradley’s men comes as a surprise.
Barry will intensify his training as of Tuesday in his attempts to get match fit for the second Group C game against Algeria, which takes place in Cape Town on June 18 (1/4 England, 4/1 draw, 8/1 Algeria – match betting).
“I’ve been told I’m not playing against USA to give me more time,” Barry told www.newsoftheworld.co.uk. “I’ll be back in full training with the team from tomorrow.”
The news means that Capello is likely to stick with Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard in central midfield, while Joe Cole is almost certain to be given the nod on the problematic left-hand side of the England engine room.
A clear indication was given when the trio started Monday afternoon’s 3-0 practice match win against the Platinum Stars.
Capello will be keen to get Barry involved having bent his own rules to accommodate the Eastlands star.
The Italian had long held the view that he would only take match-fit and in-form players to South Africa, but Barry has not played a competitive fixture since he damaged ankle ligaments at the beginning of May.
Tottenham hopeful Jermain Defoe gave the Three Lions an interval lead against the local South African side at Moruleng Stadium on Monday, before Cole and Wayne Rooney made sure of the friendly win.
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