Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry says the Premiership's style means injuries are always going to be a threat to England's World Cup plans.

David Beckham has been ruled out of the World Cup and there are doubts over Cole, Aaron Lennon, Owen Hargreaves and Jermain Defoe, while Glen Johnson, Theo Walcott and Rio Ferdinand have had long spells on the sidelines.

Barry, who has missed only one Premier League game for City since a £12million move from Aston Villa last summer, says such injury scares are almost inevitable in such a competitive league.

"It is the tempo of our game, which is relentless," he said. "It’s hard week in, week out. You only have to speak to players like Patrick Vieira, who have come back after time away.

"It is a bit of a shock. There is a battle every week so the injuries are no surprise. I have been lucky with injuries and touch wood that continues.

"Considering I joined a new club this season, I feel that I’ve really settled in."