Algeria v England - Gareth Barry declares himself fit for England's next game
Gareth Barry(credit:
dalli58)
Gareth Barry has declared himself fit for England’s second Group C match against Algeria on Friday (live on ITV1 and ITV.com).
The Three Lions head into the game (kick off 19.30 BST) knowing they must win following the disappointing 1-1 draw with the United States, and the return of Barry would be a major boost for Fabio Capello’s side.
The 29-year-old midfielder, a key figure during qualifying, has been sidelined since May when he sustained an ankle injury during Manchester City’s Premier League defeat to Tottenham.
But an intensive spell of treatment has helped him recover in time to feature in South Africa, and Barry insists he is now ready to play his part.
“The ankle has been fine for 10 days,” he said.
“Another week’s training in the lead-up to the Algeria game and I should be spot on.”
Barry went on to reveal he would have been happy to face the USA in England’s opener.
“If the manager had asked me to play, I would have bitten his hand off to try and make the starting team,” he added.
“I was desperate for us to go two or three goals up and then he might have thrown me on.”
England are 1/4 favourites with a host of bookmakers, while an upset for Algeria is 12/1 (Boylesports, Betfred, Coral and extrabet). Bodog are offering 6/1 for the draw.