Bad news today for England ahead of its Euro 2012 opener: midfielder Gareth Barry will miss the tournament due to a muscle tear in his lower abdomen.
Barry entered at halftime of England’s 1-0 weekend win over Norway, replacing Steven Gerrard in Roy Hodgson’s 4-4-2. But he had to leave about 30 minutes into his appearance; subsequent scans revealed the injury.
Phil Jagielka will replace Barry (pictured at right, along with Hodgson) on England’s 23-man roster.
Barry was never a central figure, but an important presence in terms of depth and lineup options for Hodgson. Gerrard, Joe Hart, Steven Gerrard, Ashley Cole, John Terry and Glen Johnson all seem like certain starters – Wayne Rooney, too, when he’s finally available – but beyond those the team looks like more of a mystery. Barry was among the quality options.