LONDON (AFP) - Gareth Barry admits he is mentally prepared to give his best for England again and is relieved that he can focus on his football following a turbulent summer at Aston Villa.Barry was determined to secure a move to Liverpool, but the move failed to materialise after the Merseyside club failed to meet his 18million pounds price valuation and he is now remaining at Villa Park.
The events of the last few weeks have clearly affected the England midfielder who was singled out by Fabio Capello for his poor display in the last friendly against the Czech Republic.
Capello felt the Liverpool situation was playing on Barry's mind during the game and he was not producing his best form.
Barry knew he had to put things right and issued a statement to say he was definitely staying at the club.
With the World Cup qualifying campaign getting underway against Andorra on Saturday, Barry knows he needs to regain his best form straight away and show Capello he should be a permanent member in the England team.
"I'm mentally prepared now for the games," said Barry.
"It was probably a tough summer for myself, the first time I've experienced anything like that. It's important that my head is now focused on Aston Villa and performing for England in the next few days.
"It was always the most important thing - myself being right to play football. That is why we made the statement a week before the transfer window closed.
"I want to get my head round doing a job for Aston Villa and more importantly in the next few days for England. I feel ready to go and am not thinking about anything else.
"Any doubts in anyone's mind can wear them down now and again, but that is all over and now I am looking forward."
Barry is determined to help England get back on the winning trail after they failed to qualify for the European Championships during the summer.
The England players still have nightmare memories of their 3-2 defeat against Croatia back in November 2007 which cost them a place at the tournament in Austria and Switzerland during the summer.
But Barry feels they have the perfect chance to get all the England fans back on their side and show they have the quality to compete with the big teams again.
"I think it's important it (Croatia defeat) stays in the player's minds a little," said Barry.
"We can't focus on it too much because it's a negative moment, but that hurt will stay with the players for a long time and it's important we'll learn from that.
"It's always better to start the group well and start positively, it can set you up nicely for the remainder of the games. We'll obviously take one game at a time and that will breed confidence from then on.
"The season is up and around again and it's always an exciting time. It's a new campaign for England and everyone in the squad is looking forward to getting off to a good start.
"This is where we're going to be judged, everyone knows that right from the manager through to the players and it's time to stand up and give 100 percent."
With Steven Gerrard being ruled out through injury, Barry knows he has the ideal chance to cement his place in his favourite midfield position.
"It's great for me to be involved and make appearances in the last 11, anyone doing that will feel a big part of the team and the setup," said Barry.
"I'm looking forward to the challenge ahead.
"I certainly prefer the central midfield berth whether it is sitting or a bit further far forward.
"I've never been one to be pinned down in certain positions, I'm comfortable in either of the roles - that's something I've always left for the manager to decide."
by Alec Kennedy
Thu Sep 4, 10:49 AM
http://news.yahoo.com
Football England
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