South Africa World Cup news: Gareth Barry backs England to see off Spain and Brazil

27/04/2010

Gareth Barry has backed England to overcome Brazil or Spain if they face off against either side at the South Africa World Cup.

Both countries are being talked up as favourites to win the tournament, while many pundits have also said England have a great chance of success.

The Three Lions have slumped to defeats in their previous meetings with the two football powerhouses, losing 1-0 to Brazil in Qatar and being beaten 2-0 in Seville by Spain in 2009.

Despite this, the Manchester City midfielder has claimed Fabio Capello's team are more than capable of overcoming them at the South Africa World Cup.

"On our day, we are not far behind and if we can field our best team against them then both are beatable," Barry told the Express.

The South Africa World Cup will be only the second international tournament the former Aston Villa player has featured in.

He was also a part of England's Euro 2000 campaign in Belgium and the Netherlands, but did not appear in any of the games.

Posted by Katie Leake