Fabio Capello has confirmed England midfielder Gareth Barry will start Friday's World Cup match against Algeria in Cape Town.
Barry has regained full fitness after suffering an ankle injury when in action for Manchester City in early May.
Capello told BBC Sport: "Gareth will play this Friday. He is okay, there is no problem. He has trained very well and he is fit."
Barry was a key performer for England in the holding role during the qualifying campaign, and linked up effectively with Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard.
But the ankle problem, sustained against Tottenham at Eastlands on May 5, left him battling to be fit for the finals.
Capello gave Barry as much time as possible to recover and he was named in his final squad of 23 on June 2.
He was not considered fit enough to feature against the Platinum Stars in the practice match nine days ago.
The 29-year-old was then listed among the substitutes for the tournament opener against the United States although he was not involved.
But Barry intimated on Tuesday that he was fit enough to face the Algerians and now Capello has restored him to the starting line-up.
It will allow Gerrard to revert to a more attacking role on the left flank and offer support to the strikers.
Source: PA
