VIDEO: Barry's 'massive moment'
Monday, 28 March, 2011
Stand-in skipper honoured to be leading the team out.
Click here to watch video of the press conference.
England stand-in captain Gareth Barry believes Fabio Capello's fringe players have the perfect opportunity to prove themselves against Ghana on Tuesday.
Matt Jarvis, yet to be capped by England, could make his debut and Andy Carroll and Phil Jagielka will start.
Barry has been named as skipper in the absence of John Terry and the Manchester City midfielder reckons Capello's side will be hungry to impress.
He said: "There will be a few chances for the players. They will be in the dressing room champing at the bit to stake their claim and this will be a good opportunity for them.
"The fans are looking forward to seeing players like Andy Carroll play. A lot of people are interested to see how he does and I am confident he can do a great job.
"There are good reasons for why those players have left, as there are a lot of games in a short period of time in a tough part of the season. They're big games."
Barry will lead the Three Lions out against World Cup quarter-finalists Ghana but he says the chance to wear the armband won't affect him as a player.
"It's going to be a massive moment in my career, so I'm really looking forward to doing the job," he added.
"I will be the same player as I always have been, I won't change.
"It was obviously disappointing not to be involved at the weekend, but that's gone now and football moves on."
Buy the England v Ghana match programme at Wembley on Tuesday or online at www.TheFA.com/Programmes