Barry to captain England

Gareth Barry (left)
12 April 2012

Fabio Capello has named Gareth Barry as England captain for Tuesday's friendly against Ghana.

The Italian released newly-appointed skipper John Terry from the squad following the Euro 2012 qualifying win over Wales on Saturday.

Manchester City midfielder Barry will take the armband against the World Cup quarter-finalists. "He's a good player, a good captain," said Capello. "He's also the player with the most England caps."

Capello said he would not make 11 changes for the Ghana match, but would probably make seven.

He confirmed Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines and Andy Carroll would start the match.

Capello also said Scott Parker would keep his place in midfield if the West Ham man was fit.

"If Parker is fit he will play," he said. "He's got some little problem but I hope he will be fit."

Capello insisted fans should not feel short-changed by England fielding a much-changed side, claiming fringe players need to experience the "spirit of the team".

"I respect the fans," he said. "It will be interesting for the fans to see some players they know very well, it will be interesting for me and for the fans.

"The players who will play will be really good players, it's really important for the players to understand the spirit of the team and I hope we can see the spirit on the pitch like in the first 30 minutes against Wales."

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