Barry deserves spot, says Gerrard

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England captain Steven Gerrard says Gareth Barry does not deserve to be dropped for their Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia at Wembley on Saturday.

Boss Steve McClaren must decide whether to stick with Barry or recall Frank Lampard alongside Gerrard in midfield.

Gerrard, who skippers the side in the absence of the injured John Terry, said: "They are both great midfielders.

"Gareth was probably man of the match in the last two games and he might feel hard done by if he was dropped."

News conference: Steven Gerrard Interview: England striker Michael Owen

Barry produced two terrific performances in central midfield against Israel and Russia last month as England got their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign back on track with two 3-0 wins.

The Aston Villa star was given the nod after injuries to Lampard and Owen Hargreaves and complemented Gerrard perfectly as England dominated both games.

Lampard and Gerrard have struggled to form a partnership when they have played together, but Gerrard says he is happy to play with either man.

He added: "It doesn't matter to me who plays - I played well with Gareth in the last games but I've played well alongside Frank too, I wouldn't say Gareth got the best out of me.

"I might have to change my game slightly to play with both of them but that is something I feel I can do at this level and I am comfortable playing with both."

McClaren has admitted he faces a difficult decision, as Lampard has not been left out of a competitive international when fit since October 2003 when England drew 0-0 in Istanbul.

The England coach said: "The Barry and Lampard decision is a massive one, but it is a good position to be in.

"They are two players who have performed well - Frank consistently over two or three years, Gareth in the last two games.

"The team is the most important thing, not individuals and I think all the players understand that.

"It is fantastic to have quality on the bench because competition for places is what we need in this team - players looking over their shoulder thinking they've got a game on to keep their spot.

"It is one of the toughest decisions to make this week and it will be finalised along with the rest of the starting XI later on Friday."

Meanwhile, on Thursday, striker Michael Owen denied he is putting England before Newcastle.

Magpies boss Sam Allardyce has voiced concerns about Owen's ability to play in England's two qualifiers after stomach surgery on 28 September.

"The [Newcastle] manager could have started me on Sunday against Everton but he put me on the bench," said Owen. "I am fit.

"Considering I pushed myself to play in a record time for Newcastle, that should dispel any doubts I was just getting myself right for England."

Source: BBC Sport