England boss Fabio Capello believes Joey Barton is too 'dangerous' to be considered at international level.
Parker will still be considered; Lampard has international future
England manager Fabio Capello believes Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton is too 'dangerous' to be considered at international level.
Despite his own insistence that he is one of the most effective midfielders in the Premier League, Barton's international career still only extends to a 12-minute substitute appearance against Spain at Old Trafford in 2007 - a cap earned during Steve McClaren's time in charge.
Even though Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was ruled out by a thigh injury and Capello had to work on the basis Arsenal's Jack Wilshere was not available either, Barton's name was not amongst the squad unveiled for Wednesday's friendly with World Cup runners-up Holland at Wembley.
It is not as though Capello feels Barton is a bad player. In fact, the England coach sees a lot of positive attributes in the 28-year-old.
He simply feels the midfielder - transfer-listed earlier this week after his blast against the club's hierarchy on Twitter and with a string of problems, both on and off the pitch, on a sorry crime sheet - is too volatile to be trusted.
"He is a good player but he is a dangerous player because sometimes you could end up playing 10 v 11. He might get sent off," said Capello.
When it was put to the Italian that Barton's "head might go", the answer was firm, before a further explanation as to why he could not be considered this week.
Fighting
"Yes," said Capello. "But this is not a good moment to decide something about him.
"When a player is fighting with his club it is normal to stay outside. The relationship between a club and a player is really important."
The folly of Barton's refusal to adopt a more mature stance to his entire career could be viewed in Scott Parker's presence within the England fold, even though, as it presently stands, he is looking ahead to a season in the Championship with West Ham.
After spending so long on the outside of England gatherings, it seemed odd Capello should assure Parker he would not be dumped, even if he fails to secure a move away from Upton Park before the transfer window closes.
However, Capello does feel it would be better for the 30-year-old if he remained a top-flight player.
"If I find a really good player in the Championship I will pick him. Why not?" said Capello. "Parker is one of the players who can play with the national team.
"He is part of the group. If he is fit, he will be okay and stay with us but I hope for him and for me he will play in the Premier League."
Solution
There was also some good news for Frank Lampard, who it had been suggested was on borrowed time with England.
Lampard was sacrificed at half-time on England's last outing as a desperate Capello tried to claw back a half-time deficit against Switzerland.
That the man who replaced him, Ashley Young, should get the goal which earned England a point merely added to the belief Lampard is yesterday's man and has no place in a side which Wilshere is becoming such a central component.
However, Capello has moved to reassure the 33-year-old he has no plans to discard him.
"No. Absolutely not," he said. "Lampard is an important player. He is really good.
"I substituted him against Switzerland because we were losing and a manager needs to find a solution.
"We had to try something different."
