Barton gets England call

Defender Jonathan Woodgate and midfielder Kieron Dyer have been recalled by England coach Steve McClaren for the friendly against Spain at Old Trafford on Wednesday while uncapped Joey Barton is also selected.

Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry, who won the last of his eight caps in 2003, is also recalled.

Woodgate is enjoying a consistent season with Middlesbrough after being plagued by injuries in his two-year stay with Real Madrid.

Woodgate, who won the last of his five caps in March 2004, is set to step in should McClaren opt not to risk captain John Terry, out since December 13th with a back problem that required surgery.

Terry is expected to make his club return at Charlton tomorrow

McClaren said Barton's selection would not harm team unity despite the midfielder criticising established England internationals for publishing autobiographies following the unsuccessful World Cup campaign.

"That will not be an issue," McClaren said. "That's the beauty of England. They can be rivals on a Saturday and play against each other and hate each other but when they come to play for England it's a common cause.

"He's been playing well and has forced his way through. I've always thought he was a very good player, England potential. It's one of those unknowns until he is thrown into the den to prove himself. He has earned the right to be picked."

Spain's visit will be England's last friendly before they resume Euro 2008 qualifying next month with a Group E
double-header, kicking off away against Israel on March 24th, followed four days later by an away tie against Andorra in Barcelona.

Goalkeepers:Paul Robinson (Tottenham), Ben Foster (Manchester United, on loan at Watford), Chris Kirkland (Wigan).

Defenders:Gary Neville (Manchester United), Phil Neville (Everton), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), Jonathan Woodgate (Real Madrid, on loan at Middlesbrough), Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Michael Dawson (Tottenham), Micah Richards (Manchester City).

Midfield:Aaron Lennon (Tottenham), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Owen Hargreaves (Bayern Munich), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), Scott Parker (Newcastle), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Gareth Barry (Aston Villa), Joey Barton (Manchester City), Jermaine Jenas (Tottenham), Kieron Dyer (Newcastle).

Forwards:Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Peter Crouch (Liverpool), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham), Andrew Johnson (Everton).