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Nicky Barmby made his England debut while playing for Tottenham Hotspur in 1995 as a substitute against Uruguay under then manager Terry Venables. Another substitute’s performance followed in the same year against Sweden, before the diminutive playmaker made a string of first-team starts. Known for his versatility, tireless running and skill on the ball, Barmby last donned an England shirt when he scored in the 3-0 victory over Moldova in a World Cup qualifier in 1997. But a mixture of strong competition from other England attacking midfielders and a loss of form at his new club Everton meant that Barmby’s England career looked to have come to an end despite a healthy record of three goals in 10 appearances for his country. However, an excellent 1999-2000 season at Goodison Park, in which the predominantly left-sided midfielder reproduced the kind of form he hinted at earlier in his career, with 10 goals, has forced manager Kevin Keegan to name him in his provisional 28-man squad for Euro 2000. Still regarded as a dark-horse choice for Euro 2000, Barmby may surprise a few people with a place in the squad for the competition in Holland and Belgium. “He´s been picked for the form he´s in, it´s as simple as that,” said Keegan. “His form throughout the season has been very consistent. I have been to watch him three times in the last six weeks - at the request of his chairman Mr (Bill) Kenwright - and his form has been very good. “He can play left on the side and he has played there every time I´ve watched him play for Everton. He has a terrific football brain. I think in the first six months at Everton he found it difficult but now he´s really blossoming and he can play in two or three positions.” |
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