| A late developing midfielder, Warren Barton's reputation once he joined the unique Wimbledon brand of top-flight footballing jolly-ups quickly rose above the more industrial tactical habit of the club he represented, and only when he joined Newcastle United was he converted into the classy, determined and naturally athletic right back his admirers recall, fluidly combining attacking panache in an infamously offence-based team with defensive grit when it was deemed absolutely necessary. Terry Venables liked him as he sought yet more reinforcements after another injury to Rob Jones, and Barton suffered a lack of luck on his debut when the game was abandoned in Dublin after 27 minutes due to crowd trouble. He was still awarded a cap and given Venables' backing for another chance, although he had competition from another newbie in the youthful and immaculate Gary Neville when the squad was announced for the home-based summer Umbro Trophy tournament, consisting of three matches for England in total. Neville started the first game; Barton the second (a 3-3 draw against Sweden during which the photo above was taken), and then Warren came on as a sub for John Scales in the third with Neville back in the right back role. Neville remained in that role for the next ten years while Barton was never asked back. The decision was entirely vindicated considering the exceptional international career which would follow for Neville, although ultimately it was Barton's in-built tendency to attack more than defend - through his Newcastle association - which probably did for his long-term chances. (Matthew Rudd) |