England News

• Nickname:Three Lions
• Founded: 1872
• Manager:Roy Hodgson

• Ground:Wembley Stadium
• Capacity:90,000

Barry in World Cup fitness race

07 May 2010 - 14:10:31

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Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry is a major doubt for England's World Cup squad after being ruled out for four weeks with ankle ligament damage.

City boss Roberto Mancini has revealed the injury his defensive midfielder picked up during Wednesday's Premier League defeat to Tottenham Hotspur is worse than was originally diagnosed.

Prior to the blow, Barry was expected to be an integral part of Fabio Capello's 23-man squad for the upcoming tournament in South Africa.

The Italian coach must name his final squad on June 1 before the Three Lions begin their campaign with a Group C game against USA on June 12.

"I don't know exactly how bad, maybe three to four weeks, so I hope he can still go," explained City boss Roberto Mancini.

"He deserves to play in the World Cup.

"I hope he can play in the World Cup but Fabio Capello and his medical staff must decide."

Barry, who joined City in a £12million deal from Aston Villa last summer, has won 36 international caps since making his debut in 2000.