10 October 2007
VIDEO: Gareth Barry pre Estonia
After performing so well against Israel and Russia, Gareth Barry talks to the media ahead of England's meeting with Estonia.
England v Estonia
UEFA European Championship Qualifier
3pm, Saturday 13 October 2007
Wembley Stadium
Live on BBC1



Gareth Barry has admitted that he was surprised and delighted to have played such an important role in England's qualifiers against Israel and Russia, and now feels that the England players have the confidence to continue the performance level against Estonia and Russia.

Barry returned to the England fold for the friendly against Spain in February, and in August he made his mark against Germany at Wembley which helped stake his claimfor a place in Steve McClaren's midfield for the double header in September.

"The last two games were brilliant for me, but going back to the Germany game I got a good 40 minutes - and got a lot of confidence, which set me up for the qualifying games.

"It's always great to be selected to play for your country. To play the last two games was a bit of a surprise, but it's nice to put in two good performances and for people to talk about the way I played."

When asked about how the atmosphere had changed from last month to now, Barry explained that having won both games against Israel and Russia had put England back in the driving seat for qualification for Euro 2008.

"You only have to look at the league table before the two games, and it probably wasn't easy reading. But now it's all in our own hands."

Barry also admits that he is pleased to be in such a position at such an important stage of qualification for England: "There is competition everywhere, so it's nice to put my name in among the players being talking about.

"The sort of players that get mentioned are the reason you have to wait so long for a chance to play for your country.

"There are great players, especially in that central midfield role, and chances don't come around too often so when they do you have got to try and take them."

Barry also repeated the views of Steve McClaren by confirming that the focus would very much be on Estonia this week, with no one looking ahead to the trip to Moscow until the final whistle at Wembley on Saturday afternoon.

"All the focus is on Estonia and getting three points this week.

"The last two England games have probably been the biggest of my career. It was nice to be part of them and I am full of confidence now for what is ahead."