BARRY: PRESSURE ON CROATIA

BARRY: PRESSURE ON CROATIA

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England midfielder Gareth Barry has told Croatia to forget about mind-games ahead of the World Cup qualifier on Wednesday - because the pressure is all on them to get a result.

Barry has laughed off talk of a conspiracy to injure Luka Modric and, as one of the survivors of two years ago when Slaven Bilic's side denied them a place at Euro 2008, is focused on showing how far England have come under Fabio Capello.

The Aston Villa midfielder knows England are in the driving seat after seven wins from as many World Cup qualifiers, while Croatia need to maintain their hopes of a play-off place to reach South Africa.

"This game is completely different to two years ago," Barry said. "The pressure is on them. They know we can qualify on the night and the pressure is on them."

As for talk of deliberately sidelining Modric, Barry added: "We've laughed at a comment like that. It's something that doesn't go on."

There will be an element of revenge for England after the defeat in 2007, marking an end to Steve McClaren's reign and leading to Capello's appointment.

Capello wanted to face Slovenia four days before the Croatia clash as they have a similar style to Bilic's men and Frank Lampard and Jermain Defoe grabbed the goals in a 2-1 win.

"Now it's the big one," Barry said. "A lot of players in that dressing room won't forget that night at Wembley. There will be a few memories.

"Like many others it was the lowest point of my career - being on the verge of qualifying for a championships and then all of a sudden it's taken away from you. This is England we're talking about and we need to be part of these tournaments.

"But it's a different manager and a different team and although that might be in the back of our minds we'll be confident we can do it this time. We've come a long way, really if you look at the results. If we qualify on Wednesday with a 100% record that's all we can do.

"Everyone wants to put it to bed on Wednesday and get across the line. I'm sure the lads will be firing on the night."

Striker Emile Heskey added: "Obviously I wasn't here but I was feeling for the lads," said striker Emile Heskey. "It was sad. You want to be involved in all these games, in all the tournaments but not everyone can be."

Heskey's recall has been a huge part of Capello's reign but the Villa striker is aware of Defoe breathing down his neck with five goals in three substitute appearances.

"You can't complain (if Defoe starts)," Heskey said. "Jermain has done brilliantly. Every time he comes on the pitch he scores a goal. That's the main thing.

"We're in competition but it's good competition. It puts you on your toes knowing you've got to do well."

Heskey also defended Wayne Rooney, who was criticised by Slovenia players after winning a penalty for the opener at Wembley.

"The lad was pulling his shirt," he said. "Sometimes they're given, sometimes they're not.

"Hopefully Wayne can continue with his form for years to come. He's a great player. He appreciates everyone. He's a provider as well as a finisher."