| Oldham Athletic's fabulous rise to the top flight and pro-active contribution to numerous Cup competitions was vindicated further when their impressive central defender Earl Barrett was given a call-up to England's summer jamboree to Oceania. Graham Taylor played him alongside Des Walker in a 1-0 win over New Zealand in Auckland, but then chose not to recall him as Barrett's form and presence diminished after a move to Aston Villa. He returned two years later as an emergency right back - the problem position throughout Taylor's reign - as England went on another summer tour; this time infamously visiting the USA, where they lost to the hosts and Germany while drawing with Brazil (the photo above is just prior to the game). Barrett played in two of those games - luckily for him he stayed clear of the USA debacle in Boston - but didn't come back again in either of the defensive positions he covered, and the fact that he was only considered worthy for squads which went on summer tours rather than for major finals or competitive qualifiers suggested he was not very high in Taylor's plans when all his first choice defenders were fit and available. (Matthew Rudd) |