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Tuesday 26 April 2011

England Squash set to continue record onslaught at European Team Championships

Barker, who reached last month's Canary Wharf Classic final, will play third string in a strong five-man squad comprising world No 1 Nick Matthew and James Willstrop, England's top two respectively, Daryl Selby and Jonathan Kemp.


England, under new national coach Chris Robertson, will also start overwhelming favourites as they attempt to win their 19th successive European team title.


And Barker, 27, will aim to prove a point to his compatriots in Espoo as the left-hander launches his blueprint to climb the rankings and reach more world tour finals.


"My career has always been pretty steady progress," said the current world No 7. "But I think next year I will have to make some changes to break the mold."


That will include making a bid to win his first national title next year where Barker says he will be one of four players vying for the title after Selby's surprise win over Matthew in February.


"I definitely want to get my ranking higher. But I am encouraged especially after where I was this time last year where my squash got on top of me.


"But I have now beaten all the top players above me and I have got a little bit of time on my side.


"I have tried to be more comfortable around the front of the court and playing at pace against the top players.


"There's definitely been an improvement this year getting to semis and finals and I need to go that one step further."


In the women's event, England, led by Jenny Duncalf, will aim to reverse a surprise defeat by Holland last year, having previously gone unbeaten for 32 years in the tournament.


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