Source: Daily_Mail
Gareth Barry named England captain for Ghana friendly
Fabio Capello has named Gareth Barry as England captain for Tuesday's friendly against Ghana - despite being overlooked by Fabio Capello for the win over Wales.[LNB]The Italian released newly-appointed skipper John Terry from the squad following the Euro 2012 qualifying win over Wales on Saturday.[LNB]Manchester City midfielder Barry will take the armband against the 2010 World Cup quarter-finalists.[LNB] Fab choice: Fabio Capello has called upon Gareth Barry to captain England at Wembley against Ghana[LNB] [LNB] 'He's a good player, a good captain,' said Capello. 'He's also the player with the most England caps.'[LNB]Capello said he would not make 11 changes for the Ghana match, but would probably make seven.[LNB]He confirmed Everton pair Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines and Liverpool striker Andy Carroll would start the match.[LNB]Capello also said Scott Parker would keep his place in midfield if the West Ham man was fit.[LNB] Up for it: Liverpool striker Andy Carroll will win his second senior cap after Capello confirmed he will start against Ghana[LNB] [LNB]'If Parker is fit he will play,' he said. 'He's got some little problem but I hope he will be fit.'[LNB]Capello insisted fans should not feelshort-changed by England fielding a much-changed side, claiming fringe players need to experience the 'spirit of the team'.[LNB]'I respect the fans,' he said.[LNB] Talking tactics: England boss Fabio Capello is expected to make several changes to his starting line-up[LNB] [LNB]'It will be interesting for the fans to see some players they know very well, it will be interesting for me and for the fans.[LNB]'The players who will play will be really good players, it's really important for the players to understandthe spirit of the team and I hope tomorrow we can see the spirit on thepitch like in the first 30 minutes against Wales.'[LNB] Keeping up appearances: Goalkeeper Robert Green could win his first England cap since his 2010 World Cup howler against the USA [LNB]Capello has been accused of inconsistency after claiming he did not think it was right to inform Rio Ferdinand he had lost the captain's armband by telephone only for Steven Gerrard to admit on Sunday he had been called by the Italian to discuss the issue.[LNB]When asked about it today, the England boss said: 'Rio was the captain, Steve was the vice-captain.[LNB]'I hope that over the next few weeks I will meet with him (Ferdinand).'[LNB] Team spirit: Barry, Darren Bent, Ashley Young and Carroll meet players from the Wheelchair Football Association[LNB] Capello released four other players alongside Terry yesterday and explained it was so they avoided injury with important Champions League fixtures to come next week.[LNB]He said: 'The players that aren't here, those that went home, are not here because if you are tired it is easy to be injured.'[LNB] Jack the lad: Capello supports the idea of Wilshere representinng England at this summer's Under 21s European Championships[LNB]Capello also revealed he would support Under-21 boss Stuart Pearce should he decide to take the likes of Jack Wilshere and Andy Carroll to this summer's European Under-21 Championships.[LNB] HAVE YOUR SAY... Tell us which players you would select in your England XI? Fabio Capello has been ringing the changes with his players and formation - and there will undoubtedly be more tweaks on the horizon. But who would you pick - and in what formation - if you were in control of the national team? Post your dream line-up here... TELL US WHAT YOU THINK 'Yeah, I will support him 100 per cent because I think the players will be really important for the Under-21s,' he added.[LNB]'Those players can make the difference.'[LNB]Barry backed Capello's decision to release five senior players, although he admitted he could understand fans' disappointment.[LNB]'I can certainly see the reasons for (Capello's) decision,' Barry said. 'It's a tough part of the season, there are good reasons why the players were let home.[LNB]'There will be a few players chomping at the bit to take their chance.'[LNB]'The fans have bought their tickets to maybe see certain individuals play for England, but the players selected were in the 26 from the start.'[LNB]On being named captain, Barry said: 'It's obviously going to be a massive moment in my career, a proud one.[LNB]'I'll be the same player as I always am. You don't put the armband on and change.'[LNB]The Manchester City midfielder claimed he was not thinking about whether being named captain made up for being left out of the team to face Wales.[LNB] Taking the mic: Capello has defended his decision to rest several senior stars for the friendly against Ghana[LNB]'I'm not trying to look at it in that sort of way, that's gone now,' he said. [LNB]'I was obviously disappointed not to be involved, but two days later I am being asked to lead the country out.'[LNB]Barry also defended Capello's decision not to warn Manchester United star Wayne Rooney to curb his enthusiasm during Saturday's win over Wales.[LNB]Leading the way: Barry can't wait to captain England[LNB]Rooney already had a yellow card to his name heading into the game, and a booking for a robust challenge means he will now miss the crucial summer qualifier against Switzerland through suspension.[LNB]Barry said: 'I go along with theory that it shouldn't matter. You can't go out playing a different game, you've got to play your natural game.[LNB]'I don't think the situation would have changed too much if he knew [about the booking].'[LNB]Barry also weighed into the speculation surrounding Jack Wilshere's likely involvement in this summer's European Under 21 Championships.[LNB]The 19-year-old impressed again for the senior side against Wales, but England Under 21 coach Stuart Pearce is keen to take the youngster to Denmark, which could put him on a collision course with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.[LNB]But Barry feels Wilshere's involvement in the tournament will be beneficial for the national team in the long term.[LNB]'For the development and the good of England then they should be out there playing,' he said.[LNB]'It's always going to be a sticky situation. There are always reasons why they shouldn't. But I'm sure if you speak to the players they'll be wanting to play as much football as they can.'[LNB] Mourinho: I was hours away from replacing Steve McClaren as England bossEngland fans left short-changed as Capello turns to his B team for GhanaLampard insists he was not fazed by threat of losing his England placeThat was for you, Dad: England midfield star Parker in moving tribute Jamie Redknapp: Wilshere and Parker are made for each otherMartin Samuel: Time to grow up and hear this... Capello is on to a winner [LNB] Explore more:People: John Terry, Gareth Barry, Fabio Capello, Andy Carroll, Phil Jagielka, Jack Wilshere, Rio Ferdinand, Stuart Pearce, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney Places: Liverpool, United Kingdom, Ghana, Wales, Denmark, Switzerland
