England bring in Barry for Wilcox

Gareth Barry could play in left of defence

England have drafted Aston Villa defender Gareth Barry into their provisional Euro 2000 squad after Jason Wilcox withdrew through injury.

Barry had originally been placed on stand-by along with Frank Lampard last week when coach Kevin Keegan announced his provisional 28-man squad for Euro 2000.

With Jason pulling out, it had to be Gareth because he is a left-footed player

Kevin Keegan

He was due to join the under-21 squad leaving for their own European Championships in Slovakia later this week until he received the call from the senior party.

Keegan said: "Jason has had a knee injury for the last two or three weeks at Leeds.

"I had him down yesterday, the medical people have checked him out and have sent him back to Leeds. "We don't feel he had any chance of getting back for a place in the 22.

Wilcox - devastated to missout again

"I'm disappointed, he was devastated - I think that's the second time that had happened to him.

"With Jason pulling out, it had to be Gareth because he is a left-footed player. He is used to playing in big games now."

I wish the boys the best of luck. I have no doubt when you look around the squad they have a great chance of doing well

Jason Wilcox

Wilcox, who would definitely have travelled to Holland and Belgium according to Keegan, admitted: "I'm bitterly disappointed.

"When I spoke to the specialist he made it clear that there was no other option and that surgery was required immediately.

"My first thought is to get totally fit for next season and I hope that the form which brought me into Kevin Keegan's mind and gave me England recognition will continue."

The 28-year-old later underwent surgery to remove a piece of floating cartilage in his knee.