Time for England to deliver - Barry

Gareth Barry has issued the usual pre-match cry that it is time "for England to deliver" when the World Cup qualifying campaign gets underway.

England: Stars in training
England: Stars in training

England have had to contend with playing a series of five friendly internationals since Capello replaced Steve McClaren following the failure to qualify for the Euro 2008 finals.

But now precious points will be at stake when England tackle Andorra in Barcelona on Saturday before the more demanding clash with Croatia in Zagreb next Wednesday.

"Do playing just friendlies mean you can be under-prepared? You can look at it that way," admitted Barry.

"There is always the danger of that but the lads are ready to get the real stuff up and running, which everyone knows we are going to be judged on.

"I don't think we will lack any sharpness or not be ready for these qualifiers. The work we have done this week has set us up to be ready for them.

"The closer you get to any game, you can sense the players wanting to get out there and get the job done.

"It is time for England to deliver, definitely. This is what we are going to be judged on. Everyone knows that - the manager, the players and the staff.

"It is time to stand up and give 100% for the fans and get the job done."

Barry, who made his England debut in 2000, is looking to build on his international renaissance after being involved in England's last 11 games during the past 12 months since being recalled by McClaren.

Barry continued: "When you burst on to the scene at such a young age, a lot is expected of you. Then there was a massive gap really. I had a couple of caps here and there without really forcing myself in.

"The four years without an appearance for England was a big setback for myself. I am just glad my international career is up and running again.

"Steve McClaren gave me the chance and I am happy to feature under Mr Capello as well. It's been stop-start over the years but I'm relishing the opportunities at the moment."

Barry is quick to give praise to Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill for playing a big part in his renaissance with his country.

He added: "Martin O'Neill deserves a lot of credit. He is a good manager and he started playing me in centre midfield, which I always felt was my best position.

"If you put the two together, they are the two big factors as to why maybe I'm being talked about as an international player."

Your Comments

RedInOslo (Liverpool fan)

"Irishbwfc: You can't say England doesn't have world class players. John Terry, Ferdinand, Gerrard, Rooney, Joe Cole, Ashley Cole. Everyone of these could play for any team in the world... They just don't work together for their own country for some reason... Sven Goran Ericsson was on to something big, but impatient english media and englishmen generally expect for immediate success... That rarely happens with any team. I hope and think Fab can turn things around if he get some timne. "

MANRED (Manchester United fan)

"The thaught of watching England depresses me... I hate International week... I can't wait for the PL games.."

Emil77 (Aston Villa fan)

"Time to raise your game against the mighty Andorra..iam sorry to say it but they don't have any pride playing for their country, all they care about is how much £££ they have when their career is over..Fat frank is earning £150.000 a week but still can't get his finger out for his country..neither can gerrard!"

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