World Cup

Gareth Barry has "written off" World Cup hopes

By Joe Fish, Reporter | 06 April 2014

On-loan Everton midfielder Gareth Barry admits that he has "virtually written off" his World Cup hopes following his omission from the last England squad.

On-loan Everton midfielder Gareth Barry has conceded that he has "virtually written off" his chances of going to the World Cup with England this summer.

The 33-year-old has not played for the Three Lions since May 2012, but has been touted for a recall following his impressive displays for the Toffees.

Barry believes that his form this season warranted him inclusion in the 30-man squad for the friendly with Denmark last month, but he was overlooked by Roy Hodgson.

The 53-times capped international has taken this unexplained snub by the England boss as a sign that he is very unlikely to make the plane to Brazil.

This disappoints Barry, who has suggested that selection is not always down to how well you are performing at club level.

"I've not spoken to the manager for two years and I didn't get a call from him before the Denmark friendly saying 'you weren't far off'. So in my head, I've virtually written it off," Barry said in The People.

"When I joined Everton, England wasn't even in the back of my mind, but the way the season has gone, there were a growing number of calls for me to be included. When I heard there was going to be a 30-man squad for the Denmark game, I thought: 'There's a really good chance I could be involved here'.

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't slightly disappointed that I wasn't - but I've been in football long enough to know it doesn't matter how well you have been playing if your face isn't going to fit in a certain squad."

Manchester United's Tom Cleverley, Arsenal's Jack Wilshere and Chelsea's Frank Lampard were among the midfielders who were picked ahead of Barry for the 1-0 victory over the Danes on March 5.