NEWCASTLE (DF) -- Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton has hit-out at England manager Fabio Capello and his coaching staff for overlooking him in March's international squad selection, claiming he's the best English central midfielder in the game today and twice the player of England regular Gareth Barry.
The tough-tackling former Manchester City player, who received his one an only England cap in February 2007, was critical of the defensive tactics used during the recent fixtures against Wales and Ghana and charged that Capello picks his squads based purely on reputation and Italian mentality.
"Honestly, I think I'm the best English midfielder," alleged Barton in an interview with a French magazine. "In terms of English players, well, Jack Wilshere isn't bad, but Frank Lampard's on the way down and Steven Gerrard's been injured a lot. Scott Parker is one dimensional. Gareth Barry is absolute tosh."
"The only reason Barry is picked is because he's used to playing that slow Italian stuff at City," Barton continued. "Did you see the game against Germany at the World Cup? Barry's got a very good agent. He's also discreet and always agrees with the manager. He's like the guy who sits in the front row and listens to the teacher. I certainly don't lose any sleep when I play against him."
Despite his stinging criticism of those in charge, the industrious midfielder confirmed he will continue to make himself available for selection. Those who know him best in Newcastle seem to share Barton's rigid point of view, with many United supporters believing him to be the cure to England's international malaise.
"I think Joey is spot on," suggested one Newcastle supporter outside St. James' Park. "He always has been. He deserves another cap. So does Kevin Nolan, come to that, but that's another punch-up entirely. The England team needs some fresh blood and Joey is the perfect person to provide fresh blood."
"England was best when they had Newcastle players in the squad. Peter Beardsley, Alan Shearer, quality, quality players from the Northeast. Now who do we have representing the Northeast? Sunderland players. I'm amazed England haven't been relegated yet."
