Gareth Barry hopes the move to Everton can boost his chances of getting in the England World Cup squad, but insists that Everton comes first.
“I haven’t really spoken to the manager since last year when he asked me how my injury was,” Barry said.
“When you don’t make the squads you tend to lose touch.
“But I’m fine with that. I don’t need an explanation every time I’m not picked.
“Every footballer wants to feature in a World Cup and I’m no different.
“Realistically, though, there’s a lot of hard work between where I am now and being in the squad to go to Brazil. I made the Euro 2012 squad on the back of winning the title with City.
“But injury was the start of the downturn for me. Last season I felt I was playing consistently well in a top team and might have merited call-ups.
“The opinion of the manager, though, and having a lot of other good players available can affect that.
“I didn’t make the move to Everton to help my England career.
“But that would be a massive bonus at this stage. I would have to play well for Everton for that to happen.
“This could be my last chance to play in a major championship as it might be for a few of the other lads.
“I will watch the Ukraine match on TV and be supporting the team because I want them to qualify.
“The players involved are my friends.
“It’s a massive game for the country and I’m confident the lads can get the job done.”