Anthony Barry: The England jersey should feel like a cape, not body armour'

"He was in the twilight of a career spent in the bottom two divisions of the Football League and in non-league, and he had taken the first step on the journey that would define him, accepting a voluntary position as the Accrington Under-16s coach. It was in the evenings, third of a pitch, asked to do 11 v 11 flat balls, not enough bibs, Barry says with a smile. I was hooked."

"Barry's ascent has been staggering. His reputation for sharp and innovative drills, for excellent people skills, was established in his first senior position as Paul Cook's assistant at Wigan and it is impossible not to see the dream-like quality to it all. The progression at club level to Chelsea and Bayern Munich. The part-time international roles on the staff with the Republic of Ireland, Belgium and Portugal. How about some of the players he has worked with? Thiago Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Cristiano Ronaldo."

"Everything starts with a dream But I'm a believer that obsession can move mountains, as well. You have the dream but then you bring it down: How do we do it, day-by-day, step-by-step?' We dream about winning the World Cup. But dreams won't get it done. We have to build a methodical process that allows us to have the best chance. Obsession, especially with the smallest details. Working every hour under the sun sometimes the moon, too. Processes. Pushing hard at comfort zones."

Ten years ago Anthony Barry was playing for Accrington Stanley in League Two while beginning coaching as a voluntary Accrington Under-16s coach. He developed sharp, innovative drills and strong people skills through evening sessions with limited resources and a growing obsession with coaching. His reputation earned him a senior assistant role at Wigan, then positions at Chelsea and Bayern Munich, plus part-time international roles with the Republic of Ireland, Belgium and Portugal. He has worked with top players including Thiago Silva, Kevin De Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo. He is now a full-time England assistant coach focused on building methodical processes to compete for the World Cup with Thomas Tuchel.

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