Barton earns England call-up

Joey Barton is in line to make his England debut against Spain next week after earning his first call-up in Steve McClaren’s 28-man squad for the Old Trafford clash.

The Manchester City midfielder has been touted for international honours by club boss Stuart Pearce and despite a number of disciplinary problems, including a verbal attack on Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard only a couple of months ago, McClaren has given Barton his chance.

Also included after long absences are Jonathan Woodgate, Kieron Dyer and Gareth Barry, while skipper John Terry, Owen Hargreaves and Andrew Johnson are included but may not play any part because of recent injuries.