Gareth Barry admits there were times he thought his international career was over - but has every intention of staking a claim for a regular place in the England XI.

The Aston Villa captain was handed a first competitive start for his country in almost seven years alongside Steven Gerrard in the centre of midfield for the 3-0 victory over Israel at Wembley.

It was an impressive and composed display from the 26-year-old, who stepped into the breach following injuries to Owen Hargreaves and Frank Lampard.

Barry had last started a non-friendly international back in October 2000, against Finland under caretaker boss Howard Wilkinson, and had been completely ignored by Sven-Goran Eriksson since 2003.

Now revitalised under Villa boss Martin O'Neill, Barry intends to make the most of a somewhat unexpected, but nevertheless deserved second chance with the national team.

''I felt I was good enough, and age was on my side too,'' he said.

''So I never did really give up, but it does enter your head every now and again that your international career is probably over.

''It just goes to show that you can never give up. I knew I was still young enough and playing well enough.

''Sometimes you just have to wait around for your chance to come again.''

Barry began his career as a central defender before moving to the left-hand side of midfield.

However, a switch to the heart of O'Neill's side has galvanised the player to make his mark in the England set-up under Steve McClaren.

''I only finished about 10 or 15 games in there last season, and started this season, so I am not over-experienced in there, but I took it on well at the end of last season and now feel very comfortable,'' he said.

''I have been playing there for my club and came on against Germany for 35 minutes in a friendly, and did okay there, so I knew I was able to perform in that kind of role.''

Barry added: ''People will say that Isreal were poor, but I got a lot of the ball and enjoyed it out there.

''That is all you can do, put your name in the frame and play as well as you can.

''So especially with the injuries at the moment, it does give the manager another option.''

Barry certainly made the most of his chance against Israel, and complemented midfield partner Gerrard, who showed few ill effects of a broken toe.

''Playing alongside Steve will help me, his experience and the way he does take the game to other teams, so it certainly helps you settle,'' said Barry.

''It can make it so much easier, especially for me in my first start in a good few years.

''He has completed 70 minutes or so, and it looks good for Wednesday.''

The victory over Israel - secured with goals from Shaun Wright-Phillips, Michael Owen and a first for Micah Richards - moved England up into third place in Group E of the Euro 2008 qualifiers.

Croatia have a three-point lead over Russia, who come to Wembley on Wednesday night.

Barry knows the visit of Gus Hiddink's men will be a whole new ball game.

''I knew that playing in the centre of midfield at home to Israel, I was going to get a lot of the ball,'' he said.

''It was pretty simple in the end, we moved the ball about quickly and the other boys took the game to them.

However, Barry warned: ''It will be a lot more difficult against Russia on Wednesday.

"I expect them to have more of a go at us.

''We will have to be a bit more wary at the back, but we can take confidence from the result against Israel."