12 October 2007 VIDEO EXCLUSIVE: Gareth Barry pre Estonia Gareth Barry reveals his memories of Euro 2000 and how much he wants to help power England to Euro 2008. England v Estonia
UEFA European Championship Qualifier
3pm, Saturday 13 October 2007
Wembley Stadium
Live on BBC1
Gareth Barry admits he is ready to cement his place in the England side and prove he is good enough to help the Three Lions qualify for the European Championship Finals next summer.
With Frank Lampard and Owen Hargreaves ruled out of the recent games against Israel and Russia, Barry was handed the chance to play alongside Steven Gerrard in the England midfield.
The Aston Villa midfielder responded with two superb performances and has given Steve McClaren plenty to think about as he prepares to name his side for the game against Estonia.
Barry sees no reason why England cannot maintain their recent run of form and record another victory at Wembley on Saturday.
Barry said: “It is nice to be talked about in a positive light and I want to get myself around as many England squads as I can and help this team qualify for Euro 2008. It was great to be involved in two great wins.
“These are big games and if selected I feel I can do the same job again and I think the manager will realise that as well.
“There is competition everywhere and it is nice to put my name amongst the players being talked about to start for their country.
“There are great players in that central midfield role and the chances don’t come around too often so, when they do come, you have to try and take them.
“You only have to look at the league table before the last two games and it wasn’t easy reading. Now it is in our own hands.
“The spirit in the camp is very good. The two qualifiers went very well and that confidence is in the squad now. We’ve got it all to do but we know what to do.”
Barry owes a great deal of thanks to Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill for switching him into a central midfield role and giving him the chance to fulfil his potential as one of the best midfielders in the country.
Barry added: “In central midfield you are in the thick of the action. Passing is a big part of my game and in central midfield you can express yourself a bit more.
“Martin has been good to me. One of the first things he said when he arrived at Villa 14 months ago was ‘if you stay here with me, you’ll improve as a player and you’ll eventually get your England call-up again.’
“He is someone you listen to and he has been proven right which goes to show what a good manager he is.”
Source: www.thefa.com
