Barry has twice before worn the skipper’s armband for England, taking over for the final minutes of the 2010 clash with Egypt and the friendly with Denmark earlier this year.
This is the first time he will have started the game as captain and he will win his 46th cap against Ghana at Wembley, though he admits he would have liked to have played against Wales, too.
“I was disappointed not to be involved on Saturday but in football things can change quickly,” said Barry.
“I didn’t play against Wales then two days later I have been asked to captain my country. That’s how much can happen in a short space of time.
“There will be one or two champing at the bit to stake their claim and at some points there might be some help I can pass across.”
Barry also defended Fabio Capello’s decision to send several players home to rest with the Champions League quarter-finals on the horizon.
He said: “This is a hectic part of the season and I can understand the manager’s thinking. I know the fans have bought their ticket to see certain individuals perform for England, but at the same time the rest of the players were in the squad from the start. They weren’t just called up at the last minute.”
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