Gareth Barry
Days after reinstating Terry as Captain, Coach Fabio Capello has handed Gareth Barry the arm band for the friendly clash against Ghana.
While sections of the fans feel it should be someone else, the Italian defended his decision saying that the Manchester City midfielder will be the one with the most caps.
He said: “He is a good player, a good captain.”
With an eye towards the near-ending present domestic campaigns, most managers realize that some players need a break more than others. Capello is no different and says this is a chance for fringe players to prove themselves. There have been several withdrawals too and England will be without the likes of Michael Dawson, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole.
In the absence of Rooney, he is giving Liverpool front man Andy Carroll a start. Fan favourite Scott Parker faces a late fitness test.
Capello said: “I respect the players, I respect the clubs, and I want the players to be fit after this game. It will be interesting for the fans to see some of the players who they don’t know very well. I respect the fans.
“I’m not sure but it might be seven changes. Joe Hart will play in goal; I will play Cahill, Jagielka centre-backs and Baines on the left. I will play Andy Carroll and Barry will be the captain.
“If Parker is fit he will play. He’s got some little problem but I hope he will be fit.”
Matt Jarvis might just become the first Wolves player in twenty years to start for England, but Capello has not yet confirmed about the winger. He was also left out of the squad in the Euro 2012 qualifier game against Wales on Saturday.
Capello has been criticized for inconsistency, for handing out the arm band to as many as three different players in the span of a few days. Rio Ferdinand, who had stepped in as skipper, was replaced by Terry due to injury problems. But astonishingly, he got to know about the decision from the media instead of his coach. Capello has admitted that things could have been handled in a better way, considering Vice Captain Steven Gerrard was made aware of the situation by a phone call. Capello defended by saying that Ferdinand deserved a better way of receiving the news. A meeting never materialised between the two, but Capello is hopeful to resolve matters in the near future.
Barry has described this as “a massive moment” in his career. Although this is the first time he is leading out the Three Lions, the pressure will not be new to him, having captained Aston Villa for three seasons. He insists that he will be the same player he was.
“You don’t put on the armband and change.”
England will play Ghana at Wembley on 29th March at 20:00 (Local Time).
Fans can watch the game on Sky Sports.
Tags: England, Football, Gareth Barry, Ghana, Wembley
