Gerrard denies Barton rift

Steven Gerrard insists he bears no grudge against Joey Barton.

Barton's inclusion has raised fears of unrest among the squad after the Manchester City man criticised players for cashing in on autobiographies following last summer's disappointing World Cup performances.

Liverpool ace Gerrard was one of the players to be criticised by Barton, but the England vice-captain is adamant he has no problem with Barton.

When asked if he had met up with Barton yet, Gerrard joked: "I'm going to give him a knock after the press conference with a signed book and he can read that over the next couple of days.

"There's no hard feelings between myself and Joey. We're from a similar area.

"The interview he's done has gone over my head.

"I will give him the welcome he deserves. His form has been fantastic and he deserves his call-up."

Gerrard will captain England against Spain with John Terry not starting the game having only recently recovered from a back injury.

The midfield dynamo is looking forward to the honour of leading the team out at Old Trafford.

"I think that is going to be the case (that he will be captain)," added Gerrard. "I have spoken to the manager at breakfast this morning and John is not ready to play so I am looking forward to Wednesday as captain.

"It means an awful lot just putting on the England shirt, but being captain and walking out at the front and leading the boys out into battle will be an extra bit special."

Gerrard is relishing the clash with Spain as he will come up against Liverpool team-mates Jose Reina and Xabi Alonso.

 "It's a big game for me because I've got to train with them on Thursday," noted Gerrard.

"It will be really strange to play against Xabi in a competitive match. He's a terrific player, a great guy and it's exciting to go into battle head-to-head.

"We are really close, we're playing quite well together but it will be different on Wednesday.

"We're both looking forward to it and I don't think whoever loses will be looking forward to going into work on Wednesday.

"This game is perfect preparation, we've got some really big qualifiers next month and there is a big challenge ahead now to top this group.

"A tough friendly is ideal preparation."