England Will Rest Gareth Barry, David James For 2010 World Cup Opener Against United States
Gareth Barry has been ruled out of England's June 12 match with the United States, with Three Lions boss Fabio Capello saying he will rest his holding midfielder as well as goalkeeper David James, both of whom have been struggling regain their fitness ahead of the World Cup's opener.
Barry confirmed the news on Monday:
“I’ve been told I’m not playing against USA to give me more time,” Barry told www.newsoftheworld.co.uk. “I’ll be back in full training with the team from tomorrow.”
Gareth Barry suffered an ankle injury at the end of Manchester City's Premier League season and was a doubt to be included in Fabio Capello's 23-man roster. Barry did, however, make the team but will be rested for Saturday's match against the United States. Aston Villa's James Milner will be the most likely replacement in central midfield, though Manchester United's Michael Carrick, suspected to be insurance for Barry, would fit naturally into the holding hole normally occupied by Barry.
Barry is not the only England starter slated to miss the World Cup opener, with goalkeeper David James to be rested with a knee injury. James's injury was revealed last week and while both he and Barry have resumed full training, Capello looks set to go with West Ham United's Robert Green in goal against the U.S.
The United States have injury concerns of their own. Jozy Altidore has only just returned to training from an ankle sprain suffered last week, while Oguchi Onyewu's recovery from an October knee injury continues to limit the central defender.
