The main man: Parker has replaced Barry at the heart of England's midfield

'I'm well aware there are a lot of players not here and, in different circumstances, I wouldn't be captain but I can't let that take anything away from it. I'm going to lead my country out. As disappointed as I was on Saturday, this is going to be a great honour.'

The strange thing is that, this time last year, the prospect of Barry leading out Capello's team would not have felt at odds with anything.

Few players have played such a consistent role at the heart of the Italian's team. Barry will win his 46th England cap tonight and 30 of them will have come under this manager.

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