Gareth Barry

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has added the name of The Citizens talisman Gareth Barry as a possible candidate for the vacant England captaincy role ahead of the European Championships 2008.

Mancini’s comments come in the wake of the FA’s removal of Chelsea skipper John Terry as the captain of The Three Lions and the subsequent resignation of manager Fabio Capello.

According to Mancini, the 30 year old former Aston Villa midfield ace possess all the qualities that is required of a captain, particularly for a team like England and with Barry already winning 51 caps since the turn of the century, he has plenty of experience as well. Moreover, the midfielder from Hastings also has the experience of leading the England side after John Terry was dismissed as captain for the first time in 2010 in a come from behind 3-14 win against Egypt at the famous Wembley Stadium.

Mancini also added that Gareth Barry is one of those footballers who play with their brain, a very important asset for a footballer to have and that is something that should make him an automatic choice for the vacant England captaincy role. When asked about the media scrutiny that constantly surrounds the England captain, Mancini stated that Barry is extremely intelligent on and off the pitch and he will not find it hard to handle the media in England.

Moreover, Mancini stated that with the versatility that Barry brings to the England squad, he is easily one of their most important players and the captaincy role might just add an extra gear into his playing style. However, the player himself, Gareth Barry, has urged new interim England coach Stuart Pearce to consider Joe Hart, the Manchester City goalkeeper as a possible candidate for the role of the captain of The Three Lions.