13 November 2007
VIDEO: Gareth Barry interview
England midfielder Gareth Barry speaks to TheFA.com in the build-up to the friendly with Austria.

Austria v England
International Friendly
8pm, Friday 16 November 2007
Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna
Live on Sky Sports

England v Croatia
UEFA European Championship Qualifier
8pm, Wednesday 21 November 2007
Wembley Stadium
Live on BBC1

Gareth Barry is preparing to find out what it is like to be a passionate England fan, like the rest of the nation, and admits the prospect is making him feel nervous.

The England midfielder has barely had time to stand on the terraces during his life so far, having been invited to start training with Brighton at the age of ten and then signing for Aston Villa aged just 15.

But now, at the age of 26, he will find out what life is like on the other side of the fence for the first time as he sits down to watch Israel v Russia on Saturday desperately hoping for an Israeli victory that can boost England's Euro 2008 campaign.

The Three Lions need to beat Croatia in their final qualifier in Group E on 21 November and hope Russia drop points in Tel Aviv or away to Andorra if they are to reach the Finals.

They could also make it if Croatia lose to Macedonia this weekend and then go down by three clear goals at Wembley. But it's the Israel v Russia match that has captured the public's imagination.

“I don’t think I've ever been in a situation before like this,” said Barry, who was speaking at a sponsoredbyyou.com event organised by England sponsors Nationwide after putting a group of school children through their paces on the training field.

“There will be so much at stake which is completely out of our hands. I guess that’s what it’s like for fans every week but I’m not used to it.

“I’ll be nervous watching it to be honest. It will be like being an Israel fan or like a supporter watching his club because we want them to win so much.”

Barry, who is waiting to discover whether he will watch the match with the rest of the England squad or with his family and friends depending on the schedule, knows he will not be alone in cheering the Israelis.

“It’s up to the manager whether we all watch it together,” he said.

“But no matter where we are the players will be watching it that’s for certain. You wouldn’t want to be spotted out shopping while the game is on that’s for sure! It will be like a home game in England, I expect. The whole country will be cheering for Israel."

Before he can get his Israel scarf on, however, Barry and his England team-mates face a trip to Austria on Friday for a crucial friendly fixture.

Barry said: "Preparation has to be spot on because Croatia could be such an important game for us.

“I don’t know much about Austria but we know they are in the finals already because they are hosts and I know we want to go back there next year."