Barry admits it's time for England to stand up and be counted

Published on Friday 5 September 2008 09:54

GARETH BARRY admitted it is time "for England to deliver" as the Fabio Capello era finally begins for real with the opening World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Croatia.

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 tomorrow 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," Barry said. "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 per cent 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.

"It's been stop-start over the years but I'm relishing the opportunities at the moment."