GARETH Barry will captain England in tonight’s friendly against Ghana at Wembley, England manager Fabio Capello has confirmed.
The Manchester City midfielder takes the armband following the early release of skipper John Terry and vice-captain Frank Lampard from the squad and injuries to Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard. Wayne Rooney, who has also returned to his club early, and David Beckham are the other two men to start England matches as captain under Capello.
Barry, 30, will lead out the team on his 46th international appearance. He has previously been handed the armband during last month’s friendly in Denmark and against Trinidad and Tobago in 2008 following the initial captain being substituted.
Capello said of Barry: “He is a really good player and a good captain, and he is also the player with the most caps.”
Capello also confirmed that he would be fielding a much-changed side from the team which beat Wales 2-0 on Saturday against the World Cup quarter-finalists, with striker Andy Carroll set to win his second cap.
Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka will start in the centre of the defence alongside left-back Leighton Baines, while goalkeeper Joe Hart and midfielder Scott Parker will retain their places. (Eurosport)