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Hodgson hints Barry's England days are over

ESPN staff
May 23, 2013
Gareth Barry faces an uphill battle to force his way back in © PA Photos
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Roy Hodgson has hinted that Gareth Barry's England career is over because he cannot pick too many midfielders in their thirties.

The Manchester City player won his 53rd and last cap against Norway last May, when he picked up the groin injury that ruled him out of Euro 2012.

Since then, manager Hodgson has not called Barry up and, while praising the 32-year-old, suggested he is unlikely to turn to him again.

Hodgson has picked five central midfielders who are past 30 - captain Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Micahel Carrick, Scott Parker and Leon Osman - and has been keen to introduce more younger players.

Tom Cleverley has been a regular in the side, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner are invariably in the squad and Hodgson has selected Jack Wilshere when fit.

"When I see him [Barry] play I realise he is a good player," Hodgson said. "Unfortunately he missed out in the Euros through injury, we went with other players, who have cemented their place.

"Furthermore people like Carrick have come on to the scene. It is really a question of how many central midfield players you can have."

Barry made his England debut in 2000 and was a regular in the side between 2007 and 2012.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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