Capello is backed by players as the man to deliver

The Three Lions go into battle for the first time in a competitive international since the World Cup tomorrow when they tackle Bulgaria in their opening Euro 2012 qualifier.

With a tricky trip to Switzerland following on September 7, there are some who fear the end result will be so poor, the Football Association are going to be left with little alternative other than to oust the Italian, who was confirmed in his job only two months ago.

After building up an air of impregnability during his first two years in charge, Capello has seemed to do little right since he launched the ill-fated 'Capello Index'.

Despite the FA's frustration, and to Capello's continued embarrassment, the Index still logs the fortunes of players, even though the Italian has tried to have it closed down and has long since distanced himself from the concept.

Yet, points are still being accumulated in line with the system he devised.

Unfortunately, only four of his 24-man squad – Scott Carson, Matthew Upson, Theo Walcott and Darren Bent – have made it into a dream team from the most recent list: a 'Capello Index' team including Roger Johnson and Nicky Shorey accumulating 745.45 points as opposed to the best England's potential starting line-up on Friday could muster, 679.09.

Yet Barry, one of 13 members of Capello's current squad who survived the debacle in South Africa, insists the players still have faith in their leader.

"Everyone is right behind the manager," said the Manchester City man.

"I firmly believe the players and manager can go on and do great things. He is still the man to take England forward."

Although it has been suggested Capello is determined to adopt a less intense approach, Barry has not detected a notable change.

The demand remains for England to play to their strengths, even if it was precisely that which led to such a let-down in the summer.

"I have not noticed anything different," he said.

"He still wants us to play at a high tempo but the whole squad is pretty relaxed.

"Everything is pretty chilled there so there are not too many changes.

"We just want to get the results right. That is going to be what makes people happy."

One person who will certainly be happy if he can cement the No 1 goalkeeping slot is Barry's City team-mate Joe Hart, who has already moved ahead in the pecking order at Eastlands ahead of former favourite Shay Given.

The 23-year-old is expected to start at Wembley on Friday and is keen to retain that position over a sustained period.

"I'd love the opportunity to establish myself," said Hart. "But I'm just working hard and enjoying every game at the moment with my club.

"There are a couple of opportunities for people to set their marker and be involved in something special.

"I've been involved in a few of the qualifiers for the World Cup.

"They are huge games and huge for the country and it will exciting to get that opportunity (to play in one of them).

"But I am just training hard and doing my best to get in the firing line for that game."

Yesterday saw Peter Crouch pull out of the England squad for the two qualifiers because of a back injury.

The Tottenham striker was always going to be a major doubt once club boss Harry Redknapp revealed what he thought was a rib problem after Saturday's surprise home defeat to Wigan.

Capello took the precaution of naming an additional striker in his 24-man squad, so when it was confirmed yesterday afternoon that Crouch had returned to Spurs for treatment, there was no need for a replacement. It leaves Capello to choose from Wayne Rooney, Carlton Cole, Darren Bent and Jermain Defoe, who has recovered from a groin strain.

The FA opted not to make any further injury announcements, although the fact Crouch is the only player being released and no call-ups have been requested must be viewed as good news given England only had one goalkeeper training on Monday.

There is cover for former Sheffield United defender Phil Jagielka – now at Everton – who also sat out training on Monday with an ankle problem.