Villa blog: Barry for England

We’re in the middle of an international break, and Gareth Barry is back in the spotlight, writes Villa blogger Gregg Williams.

It was fantastic to watch him put in two assured performances in England’s last two games, and surely he will fight off competition from Frank Lampard and retain his place.

I’ve been a season ticket holder for the whole of Gareth’s Villa career, and have always felt he had the potential to be a big player for his country.

He has endured some difficult times at the club and some spells of poor form, not helped by continually playing in different positions, but as the saying goes form is temporary, class is permanent.

When Martin O’Neill took over he promised Gareth that if he kept up his form that he would win an England recall, and that is exactly what has happened.

I have always felt that Lampard is overrated.

He is a very good player in a top premiership side, don’t get me wrong, but teams like Chelsea dominate possession against all but the strongest teams.

At international level keeping the ball is more of a problem for England, and his constant long range potshots and erratic passing prove far more costly.

As far as I’m concerned Gerrard is the better player, and he is forced to stay back with Lampard in the team.

Barry and Gerrard are a perfect combination, and deserve to keep their partnership for the next two qualifiers at least.

Looking ahead, its only a matter of time before Ashley Young joins Gareth on the international stage, and I for one can’t wait to see him terrorizing the opposition in an England shirt.

I also doubt they will be the only two of our squad to make the step up.

Villa’s new slogan is ‘Proud history, Bright future,’ and it is Villa’s young English stars that could be the key to a bright future for the national team as well.

What do you think? Have your say below