Jonathan Woodgate and Kieron Dyer are expected to be included in the England squad named later today to face Spain in next week's friendly, but player power may preclude a first call-up up for Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton.
England boss Steve McClaren paved the way for the inclusion of both Woodgate and Dyer by lauding both players on Thursday. The pair last appeared in England colours in March 2004 and March 2005 respectively.
''Everyone knows what a talent he is and by overcoming his [thigh and back] injury problems he has won a major battle," he said of the Middlesbrough defender who, in the absence of John Terry and Ledley King, is expected to partner Rio Ferdinand in the centre of defence. ''I've been watching him closely over the last few months."
The return of Dyer would be more controversial. The injury-plagued Newcastle midfielder has appeared only infrequently during the past two seasons, but McClaren claims to have detected hitherto hidden signs of maturity from the 28-year-old.
''Dyer seems to have matured while he has been battling back," he announced. ''In some ways the hamstring setback seems to have helped him grow up. He has that ingredient vital for an England player: he has pace and can make things happen. When you come up against organised teams at international, or any level, you need a player who can unlock the door and Kieron is that type of player."
Complimentary words about Barton were conspicuous by their absence, however, a possible reflection on the spiky midfielder's outspoken views on the incompatibility of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in midfield. Barton's criticism is reported to have 'enraged the England dressing room' and, according to The Daily Telegraph, 'While one part of McClaren would like to stir up an underachieving squad, he has also been made aware how unpopular Barton is.'
Perhaps weighing decisively against Barton's candidature is the continued good health of England's regular midfielders. Whereas Woodgate and Dyer's expected call-ups owe much to injuries in defence and attack respectively, McClaren can legitimately argue that there isn't room in the squad for a new midfielder.
However, City boss Stuart Pearce insists Barton would not be a disruptive influence.
Pearce admits the Huyton-born player rarely wastes an opportunity to speak his mind but is certain he is no trouble-maker.
"Joey would not disrupt any squad," he said.
"He does not disrupt mine, he is a good member of it.
"On occasion he speaks his mind but I do not have a problem with that. I think over the last 18 months I have seen a general maturity in him as a player and a man.
"If he is picked Joey will bring drive, energy and the ability to score a goal. If he is not selected then he will have to keep doing what he has been over the last few weeks and months to put more pressure on the England manager."
