Barry, who has been with the Senior team for the games against South Africa and Serbia and Montenegro, will meet with the Under-21s today after England Head Coach Sven Goran Eriksson made the decision that the Aston Villa defender could help strenghten David Platt's side ahead of their vital European Qualifier.

Speaking to TheFA.com this morning, Sven said: "Having taken the decision that Gareth was not going to play for the Seniors, I felt it was in his and our best interests for him to go and play an important role for the Under-21s."

"They have a very important game and it will be more good experience for Gareth. I have spoken to him and he understands the situation. He done very well for us since he joined the squad before the South Africa game," he added.

Gareth Barry 

Nationality: English
Place of Birth: Hastings, England 
Date of Birth: 23 February 1981 
Weight: 12 06 
Height: 5' 11''
Club: Aston Villa 
Position: Defender/Midfielder

Year

Club

Apps.

Goals

1997/98

Aston Villa

2

0

1998/99

Aston Villa

32

2

1999/00

Aston Villa

30

1

2000/01

Aston Villa

30

0

2001/02

Aston Villa

20

0

2002/03

Aston Villa

35

3


There are still tickets available for Tuesday night's crucial Euro Qualifier. If you want to see the Under-21s in action and cheer them on in Sunderland, Call the ticket hotline on... 0191 5515151; tickets are priced at £10 for Adults and £5 Juniors

For all the latest news from inside the England camps ahead of both the Senior and Under-21 qualifiers, stay logged on to TheFA.com...

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