Gareth Barry and Jack Wilshere defend Fabio Capello amid mounting criticism

Gareth Barry and Jack Wilshere have hit out at the mounting criticism of England boss Fabio Capello.

Barry and Wilshere both started in last night's 1-1 friendly draw with Ghana, the build-up to which saw Capello's commitment to his job and decision-making come under renewed fire.

As well as attacking his modest grasp of the English language, critics laid into the Italian's decision to release five key players ahead of yesterday's game at Wembley.

But Barry, who benefited from the withdrawals by being handed a recall and the captaincy, said: "The communication between the manager and players has always been good, has always been there.

"You can read things that are pretty negative but the important thing is the manager is getting his points across on the pitch.

"Any little negative seems to be getting blown up.

"But I'm sure the manager knows that comes as part of being England manager."

Barry's fellow midfielder Wilshere added: "Before the World Cup he couldn't do wrong, and since the World Cup everyone has been getting onto his back.

"I think we need to give him a break. He is a great manager.

"He has proved it at clubs before and he has got a great record for England as well.

"He is one of the best managers I've ever worked with.

"People need to get off his back a little bit."

Barry revealed Capello had told his players he was "pretty happy" with the performance of what was an experimental England side last night, despite Asamoah Gyan's stoppage-time equaliser.

"It's important we don't forget a lot of players haven't played together out there but you probably couldn't tell in that first half," Barry said.

"In the end, (there was) probably a bit of inexperience conceding late on."

Andy Carroll had earlier put England ahead with his first international goal.

Barry said: "That'll breed a lot of confidence into Andy.

"His overall performance was very strong.

"(He is) another great option for the manager."

Indeed, Carroll felt he showed he was the man to replace the suspended Wayne Rooney in June's European Championship qualifier against Switzerland.

The Liverpool striker, who only recently returned from injury and was not risked for Saturday's Group G win in Wales, netted with his only chance in just under an hour on the field.

Carroll said: "I'm coming back fit now and I think, obviously, getting a goal there has proved that I can (score) and that I'm ready to score goals if I'm picked.

"It was great for me to score.

"I got the service. I think the lads did great."