Barry: we need to be together

(GSM) – England’s Gareth Barry believes the national team must remain united. Barry says England must stay together regardless of Wayne Bridge’s decision on his availability for selection.

Both Barry and Shaun Wright-Phillips, City teammates of Bridge, played part in England’s 3-1 victory over Egypt at Wembley on Wednesday. Following the match, Barry said he would love to see Bridge back in the national side but he respects his teammate’s decision.

Bridge had ruled himself out of selection for England following the recent saga involving him and former captain John Terry. Barry says that Bridge should make the decision alone and it should be respected.

“I think at this moment in time, we are all respecting Wayne’s decision,” he said.

“But the manager has left the chance for Wayne to come back so he has still maybe got a decision to make.

“He can do that on his own rather than anyone else pushing him.

“Will seeing myself and Shaun doing well for England only help? Definitely. I am not sure if he watched the game but Wayne knows all about playing for England.”

“A lot has been written and said about the England squad but, when together, we realise we need to be together if we are going to progress and achieve anything as a team,” Barry added.

“I obviously respected Wayne’s decision and, when we met up, we are a team and you have to be professional about it.

“We showed (against Egypt) it is all forgotten. Even if Wayne changed his mind, we’d all be together, even more so.

“Like I said, it’s good the manager has left it open but let’s respect Wayne’s decision.

“This was the last game before the meet-up for the World Cup so we don’t need any distractions.”