Villa favourite Ian Taylor believes his old claret and blue team-mate Gareth Barry can make all the difference in England’s next World Cup game against Algeria.

Before anyone starts getting too downhearted, let’s not forget England have still got an ace up their sleeve at this World Cup.

Gareth Barry might not have quite the blockbuster billing of a Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard but he can have as big a say on England’s hopes in South Africa as any of them.

All being well Barry will be back for Friday’s game against Algeria and, judging by Saturday’s 5 out of 10 display against United States, his return couldn’t come sooner.

Certainly, it’s been anything but ideal preparations for this World Cup for my old Villa team-mate. For a long time it looked touch and go whether he’d make it.

But bringing him was always a risk worth taking and now the only way he’s going to get match fit is by playing games.

That means he has to start against Algeria and, although I’m not entirely convinced we need a holding midfielder against the weakest team in the group, it’s imperative Barry gets at least an hour under his belt so that by the time the knockout stages come along he’ll be on top of his game.

It’s no coincidence England’s midfield seems to struggle when Barry isn’t in it.

The former Villa captain brings a much-needed balance by slotting into the anchor role, releasing Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard from their defensive duties and allowing them to concentrate on what they do best – attacking.

Saturday’s game provided yet more evidence the two of them just can’t play together in the middle, with Lampard having a particularly disappointing game.

I would love to see Capello play Gerrard in the hole behind Rooney, with Joe Cole and Aaron Lennon providing further ammunition from the flanks.

But I expect Gerrard to be switched out to the left – a position I believe wastes his talent – with Emile Heskey keeping his place up front alongside Rooney.

To be fair to Emile, he’s earned his place in the team after putting in a good shift on Saturday.

A goal for him would have been the icing on the cake but he more than put Rooney, who had a shocker, in the shade.

It was a less satisfactory night for his Villa team-mate James Milner, who lasted just 30 minutes. The truth is James just wasn’t up to it physically.

Milner is one of the fittest players around, so the only possible explanation for him being so off the pace is that he hadn’t recovered from the bug which laid him low last week. The high altitude will have only made it harder for him.

Players will always say they are fit if it gets them in the team and no one in their right minds is going to duck out of a World Cup game if there’s a chance to play.

Sadly, with Barry set to return I fear that could be his only start, but he could still have a big part to play from the bench.

There are plenty who think that’s where goalkeeper Robert Green deserves to be after his clanger against the United States, but he should keep his place.

Say Capello were to bring in David James against Algeria and he too made a mistake, what does he do then? Bring in Joe Hart?

Players don’t become bad ones on the basis of just one mistake, so Capello must stick with him.

Speaking of gaffes, I was one of the unlucky ITV HD viewers who missed Steven Gerrard’s goal and it’s safe to say I was livid, as it was about the only thing to cheer for the entire 90 minutes!

I didn’t waste any time texting my pal ITV pundit Robbie Earle to give him a piece of my mind, but I’d settle for another transmission glitch if it means another England goal!