Roy Hodgson assured Gareth Barry he has England future
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Your support makes all the difference.Roy Hodgson has promised Gareth Barry he still has a future with England.
After a scan in the north-west yesterday, Barry got the news he was dreading as he was ruled out of Euro 2012 with a stomach strain he suffered in Norway on Saturday.
As expected, Hodgson called up a defender, Phil Jagielka, in his place, leaving Barry to spend the summer watching England instead of playing for them.
With Jack Wilshere, Jack Rodwell and Tom Cleverley all hoping to make the big breakthrough next season, the 31-year-old Barry must wonder whether he will get an opportunity to win a 54th international cap.
Hodgson has been quick to allay those fears.
"I am very disappointed to lose Gareth, not only was he a member of my original 23-man squad but he has featured prominently in the England team over the last few years," said Hodgson.
"I know how much he wanted to be part of the tournament but I'm sure he will still have a part to play with England after the Euros.
"I wish him a speedy recovery."
Previous injury doubts Danny Welbeck, Glen Johnson and Scott Parker have all been given the green light to be named in Hodgson's official squad, when it is confirmed to UEFA today at 11am.
The new coach can count himself reasonably satisfied on the injury front therefore as his only other casualty was third-choice keeper John Ruddy, who has been replaced by Birmingham rookie Jack Butland.
Not that World Cup winner Gordon Banks is holding out too much hope for what happens afterwards.
Speaking at the Every Player Counts Awards at the Grass Roots Football Show, Banks expressed fears for the summer campaign: "England didn't play very well at all on Saturday.
"If they are going to do anything in the tournament they will have to play better.
"They were a little bit too defensive and I thought Roy was looking for a result which would maybe give the lads a bit of confidence.
"There were one or two new players but you could see it is going to take a while."
It is bedding-in time Hodgson simply does not have.
"It was terrible to leave it so late," said Banks.
"I couldn't understand that at all. Why wasn't he appointed earlier?
"There are so many things to do when someone takes over. There is more to it than just picking a side and expecting them to play.
"I didn't think it was right to leave it so long."
PA
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