England caretaker-coach Peter Taylor has given St Leonards youngster Gareth Barry a boost before tonight's match against Italy in Turin.

Barry, who is in the starting line-up, has won plaudits from Taylor for his dedication to improving over the last year.

The England coach said: "He's worked extremely hard on his fitness and shown amazing dedication. A lot of people thought he wasn't much of an athlete when he burst on to the scene, but the lad has gone away, worked on it and come back looking every bit as one.

"Gareth is a wonderful talent. He's nice and calm on the ball and has a terrific left foot. You've got to give him ten out of ten for the way he's come on."

Barry, who has already won five England caps under Kevin Keegan and Howard Wilkinson and is an established name at Aston Villa, was part of Taylor's successful England under-21s side.

The former William Parker student and Sussex Schools player, who attended Albion's Centre of Excellence for six years, has already publicly applauded the FA's decision to bring Taylor back into the England mould. He said: "It's great that he's back involved with England at full level and I'm sure the lads think it's a good choice as well. I think if he was given the job long term he could do very well."