Barry's captaincy pride

Gareth Barry admits being named captain for England's friendly with Ghana is a "massive moment" in his career.

Manchester City midfielder will take the armband against the World Cup quarter-finalists after John Terry was released from the squad over the weekend.

Barry has previous experience of captaining his country in the latter stages of friendlies against Trinidad & Tobago, Egypt and Denmark, but Tuesday's clash at Wembley will be the first time he has lead the side out.

The 30-year-old insists the pressure of captaining England will not affect him having skippered Aston Villa for three years prior to his move to City.

"Obviously it's going to be a massive moment in my career. I'm really looking forward to doing the job," said Barry.

"I will be the same player I always am. You don't put the armband on and change.

"I've got experience of three years captaining Aston Villa. There is some extra responsibility but I won't change the way I play."

Barry missed out on Saturday's Euro 2012 qualifying win over Wales and the midfielder admits he was disappointed to be left out of the side in Cardiff.

"I was disappointed not to be involved on Saturday but in football things can change quickly," he said.

"I didn't play against Wales then two days later I have been asked to captain my country. That's how much can happen in a short space of time."

England boss Fabio Capello is expected to make seven changes from the side that beat Wales and Barry admits it gives some members of the squad the chance to impress.

"There are a few chances for people with the players going home," added Barry.

"There will be one or two champing at the bit to stake their claim and at some points there might be some help I can pass across."

Capello decision to rest many of his key players despite the game being a sell-out has come in for criticism in some quarters and although Barry can understands fans' disappointment he has backed the Italian's move.

"I can certainly see the reasons for this decision. It's a tough part of the season now," said Barry

"There are a lot of games in a short period of time and they are big games.

"I know the fans have bought their ticket to see certain individuals perform for England, but at the same time the rest of the players were in the squad from the start. They weren't just called up at the last minute."

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