Gerrard: Barry should play

Captain for the day Steven Gerrard has claimed dropping Gareth Barry for the Euro 2008 qualifier with Estonia would be considered harsh. Barry stepped into the side and performed impressively alongside the Liverpool man whilst Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard was injured.

The captain said: "Gareth was fantastic in both games and I'm sure he'll feel hard done by if he was dropped. He was man of the match in those two games."

Gerrard has also backed Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney to kick up a lethal partnership after several said they could not play together: "People who are doubting that combination, I can't really understand that. I think they're a great partnership."

On Wayne Rooney, Gerrard said: "For Manchester United, he's getting back to his best and scoring goals. I think a goal is only around the corner."