Barton slams ´old´ England

QPR midfielder Joey Barton has lambasted the current England set-up ahead of Euro 2012 and has called for an overhaul of the squad.

Barton, 29, won his one and only England cap back in 2007 against Spain, in an Old Trafford friendly under Steve McClaren.

And he has now urged whoever becomes manager to install Wayne Rooney as the new captain on a permanent basis, in place of Scott Parker, who was skipper for the defeat to the Netherlands.

“Does anyone remember when Wembley was a fortress,” Barton wrote on Twitter.

“If England lost their, national pride would be wounded. Now we just accept that defeat as progress.”

“We are not progressing! This is de-evolution. Am I the only person that can see that. We honestly think we can win the Euros?”

“This is almost that same side that was humbled by Germany. I say make Rooney captain, give youngsters a chance.”

Barton also argued that, for England to return to winning ways, they must move on from the old guard and persist with young prospects.

“Out with the old in with the new. Let’s send a young side the Euro’s give them that experience. Even if we don’t do well. At least have some long term strategy,” he wrote.

“Anyway enough of this England lark. I’ve said my piece. Its (sic) just my opinion people. Back to more important matters #QPR.”