England: Barry out of England opener

Gareth Barry has confirmed he will sit out England's World Cup opener against the United States next Saturday.

Barry has made a quicker than expected recovery from the ankle injury he suffered on Manchester City duty at the beginning of May.

Having been given a deadline of June 13, the day after the United States encounter in Rustenburg, to begin full training, the 29-year-old will actually start playing a major part in all sessions from tomorrow.

However, coach Fabio Capello has already declared that Barry was unlikely to face the USA for fear of jeopardising his return to full fitness.

And it seems the Italian has not changed his mind.

"I've been told I'm not playing against USA to give me more time," Barry told www.newsoftheworld.co.uk.

"I'll be back in full training with the team from tomorrow."

In Barry's absence, Capello looks likely to team Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard in central midfield on Saturday, with Joe Cole occupying the left-sided berth.

The trio all started this afternoon's 3-0 practice match win against the Platinum Stars, with Cole remaining on the pitch after half-time, when Wayne Rooney and Emile Heskey made their entrance.