World Cup 2010: Vital Gareth Barry returns for England
Gareth Barry may not be a household name across the world in the same way that Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney all are. However, his importance to England is as significant as that of any of his teammates.
It was confirmed earlier today by Fabio Capello that Barry will start in England's second World Cup group match against Algeria.
Against the USA, Capello badly missed the services of his holding midfielder. Gerrard and Lampard were given the nod to start in the middle of the park but, as has happened on so many previous occasions, the duo failed to gel, subsequently allowing their opponents to dominate the tempo of the match for large periods of the game.
An ankle injury ruled the Manchester City midfielder out of last Saturday’s Group C opener. It was initially feared it would keep the 29-year-old out of the World Cup finals, but a rapid recovery ensures Barry will be fit to face Algeria on Friday evening.
The news delivers a welcome selection headache for Capello, who must now reshuffle the pack to accommodate his star holding midfielder.
With Gerrard playing such an instrumental role for England against the USA - putting in a captain’s performance and scoring his side’s only goal - sacrificing the team’s skipper from the centre and moving him to the left wouldn’t necessarily benefit England against Algeria.
Frank Lampard, on the other hand, failed to make his presence felt last weekend and could make way for Barry if Capello decides to stick with the tried and tested 4-4-2 again.
However, in all probability, the England boss will find a way to accommodate Gerrard, Lampard and Barry in the same midfield. This would almost certainly mean that Emile Heskey, who impressed in England’s World Cup opener, will be the man to make way, with Rooney occupying the role of lone striker.
A 4-5-1 formation would also allow Gerrard to play further forward as a second striker just behind Rooney; while Aaron Lennon and either Joe Cole or James Milner will take their respective roles on the flanks.
Whatever system Capello opts for against England’s North African opponents, Barry’s timely return will balance the Three Lions’ lopsided midfield.
The focus may, unsurprisingly, be pinned on Rob Green in the England goal at present; but it’s in central midfield with the reintroduction of Barry where Friday evening’s match could well be won.
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