Barry battles on
Pain no problem as veteran Middleton eyes a final fling
INFLUENTIAL midfielder Barry Middleton is set to play through the pain barrier today in a bid to guide England to only their second World Cup final. Middleton bruised a finger while defending a thunderbolt drag-flick in England’s midweek win over Argentina to earn a semi-final shot at Belgium.
The clash, a 15,000 sell-out at Kalinga Stadium, will be England’s third successive tilt at reaching a World Cup final. They having only succeeded once before, in 1986.
For a player who made his debut against Belgium 15 years ago, there is a sense that today represents the biggest match of Middleton’s brilliant career, which has accrued an incredible 430 international caps. Middleton, playing in his fourth World Cup, took one look at the strapping on his middle right finger yesterday and brushed off any concerns over a possible break.
“It’s part of the game,” said the 34-year-old. “If you look at the whole World Cup there aren’t many guys who aren’t playing with bumps, bruises, strains or strapping.
“Someone once said that you only have three days a year when you feel fresh as a sportsman. It’s not about performing on those days but about who can play their best when they’re a bit injured or tired or under pressure.”
A tropical cyclone is forecast for the region this weekend, and England will also aim to weather the blue-pitch storm created by Belgium’s world-class team.
A rising force in world hockey, the Red Lions have evolved into a technically-gifted side whose only weak point has come when under pressure and holding on to leads.
England, meanwhile, have twice come from behind in matches.
They also have a young side playing without pressure, with debutants Liam Ansell and Will Calnan scoring two goals apiece. “That’s the beauty of the youth,” added Middleton. “We’ve seen it here and when you’re young you don’t think about anything.”
It was a sentiment shared by midfielder David Ames. “They are riding the crest of a wave and they probably think playing at this level is quite easy,” he joked.
Ames, who has shone in India with his strong tackling, said that coach Danny Kerry has also been pivotal in giving England’s players belief.
Ames said: “He’s got wide knowledge on what it takes to get over the line and win finals. For many of us that’s been missing over the last number of years.”
The winners will meet either Australia or Holland, who also play today.