Taylor expecing Barry recall for Croatia clash

GRAHAM Taylor believes Gareth Barry will be back in an England starting berth at Wembley next week.

Barry has been rested in Austria tonight after a series of impressive diaplays,with Frank Lamp-ard preferred.

Former Villa and England boss Taylor believes it is with a view to Wednesday's potentially critical Croatia game.

"To me it suggests he will play against Croatia," Taylor said. "I can't see Steve McClaren playing his full team against Austria, though they may all be involved.

"I think Gareth has done enough in the last few games not to have to play in a friendly to prove himself.

"While I've never been of the opinion that Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard can't play together - England have won more matches with them than they have lost - Gareth's natural left-foot does give the team balance in central midfield."

Joe Royle, the former Manchester City manager, had a similar interpretation.

"I'd be surprised if Barry is dropped," said Royle. "He has been one of the few successes of late - even against Russia I thought he did okay.

"I feel a bit sorry for him if he's out. But next week's match is more important."

Former Blues and England legend Trevor Francis believes David Beckham could eventually be the fall guy on what would be his 100th cap.

"I couldn't understand why Lampard was dropped so I'm not going to argue he shouldn't come back," said Francis. "But Barry has played so well for England he does not warrant being left out.

"I would play all three and leave out Beckham, who no longer plays top-level football. Every player would like to win 100 caps but you cannot pick an international team on sentiment."

Barry himself said recently: "The pressure is always there with England no matter what happened in the last game.

"Fans at Villa expect me to perform at high levels every week anyway so it is no different for my country.

"There is no way I would ever take my place for granted with England.

"Not even world class players who have been around the scene for five to 10 years do that so it would be silly for me to do that."