England’s hopes of beating Algeria on Friday (2/9) have been boosted by the news midfielder Gareth Barry has been passed fit and will start the game.

The Manchester City midfielder has been battling back to full fitness after picking up an ankle injury towards the end of last season and coach Fabio Capello has confirmed he will start the game.

England need to win following the opening 1-1 draw with the USA and Capello has no fears about throwing him straight back into the side.

Capello revealed: “Gareth will play this Friday. He is okay, there is no problem. He has trained very well and he is fit.”

The return of Barry to central midfielder means that captain Steven Gerrard is likely to be pushed out to the left where he can then offer more support to the strikers.

Barry impressed in the qualifiers and is 16/1 to grab the first goal for Capello’s men on Friday night.