Get ready for a tale of the unlikeliest kind – Anthony Barry's meteoric rise from Accrington Stanley's hallowed halls to the cusp of World Cup greatness is a story that will leave even the most ardent football fans gobsmacked. Just 11 years ago, this Liverpool-born coach was hanging up his playing boots at the Stanley and starting his coaching journey with the club's Under-16s – now, he stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Thomas Tuchel as England prepares to face Argentina in their semi-final showdown on Wednesday evening.
Barry's playing career may have been spent mostly in the lower leagues, but what a legacy he left at Accrington Stanley! Being part of that Conference-winning squad 20 years ago, securing their return to the Football League after a 44-year absence, will forever be etched in the hearts of fans. Fast forward to today and you see a man whose career has undergone a seismic shift – from playing non-league to being a pivotal figure in an international coaching setup.
His ascent up the coaching ranks began as assistant manager at Wigan Athletic before a chance encounter with Frank Lampard on a Uefa Pro Licence course landed him his first team coaching role at Chelsea in summer 2020. When Tuchel took over from Lampard in January 2021, Barry was retained – and boy did that prove to be a masterstroke! Not only did he play a key part in Chelsea's Champions League triumph months later but his expertise in set-pieces – which includes an astonishing analysis of 17,000 throw-ins for his Pro Licence dissertation – has made him an invaluable asset.
Barry's international coaching CV is equally impressive. He's served as assistant to the Republic of Ireland, Belgium and Portugal under Roberto Martinez, gaining priceless experience at previous World Cups and European Championships alongside global superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Kevin De Bruyne. A reunion with Tuchel at Bayern Munich in 2023 was a 'gift' he described it as – an opportunity for a young English coach to learn from one of the world's top managers.
As the only English coach in Tuchel's inner circle, Barry plays a vital role in fostering that team spirit which Tuchel believes is essential for national team success. He often speaks about the importance of connection – something he thinks has been key to England's remarkable performances so far, including those stunning comebacks against DR Congo and Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. Now, with Argentina looming on the horizon in their semi-final showdown, Barry's incredible journey could prove instrumental in England's quest for World Cup glory.