England midfielder Barry a doubt for Euro 2012 after groin injury
Gareth Barry will have a scan on a groin injury picked up in England’s first pre-Euro 2012 friendly against Norway, the BBC has reported, with manager Roy Hodgson demanding that the Manchester City midfielder be honest over the severity of the problem.
Barry was a half-time substitute in England’s 1-0 victory over Norway on Saturday but had to be replaced himself in the second-half. If Barry’s injury does rule him out of the tournament then Hodgson has until Tuesday to name a replacement in the 23-man squad. Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson was originally named on the stand-by list and replaced Barry when he was withdrawn.
The BBC notes however that Everton defender Phil Jagielka impressed against Norway and could be added to the party should Barry pull out. Jagielka can play in midfield or at right-back as well as his more preferred centre-back berth, and could allow Phil Jones to be used in midfield in Barry’s absence.
Hodgson however insisted that he needed Barry to be open about the extent of the injury. He said: “ He'll have to be honest with me and let me know exactly how it is. We only have a couple of days to sort it out and we can't take any risks.”
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