Gareth Barry believes the hardcore of England internationals in the Manchester City squad can help propel the club to trophy glory.

Barry took immense pride from six City players being on the pitch at the end of England's impressive 3-1 win over Switzerland in a Euro 2012 qualifier. Joe Hart, Joleon Lescott, James Milner and Barry started the game before they were joined by Adam Johnson and Shaun Wright-Phillips as second-half substitutes.

"It was brilliant for the club to have so many players on the pitch - and shows the quality we have got at City," said Barry. "It is great to have a core of English players."

He added: "You have seen the top teams over the years, the Chelseas, the Manchester Uniteds, have had that spine of English players and been successful. We've got to work hard and hopefully we can achieve something like that."

Johnson pressed his claims to be part of the starting X1 with a second goal in two internationals after coming off the substitutes' bench.

Barry believes Johnson, who moved to City from Middlesbrough during the January transfer window, can climb to great heights in the game.

The midfielder said: "Adam joined us in the winter with little experience at this level and he just keeps growing in stature. For the future, he can get better and better. His confidence keeps growing.

"The more he plays, the better he will get. Hopefully he will get more (game) time and the goals will keep coming."

Barry was not surprised Wayne Rooney was able to put off-field allegations behind him and score his first England goal for 12 months in another mature display.

He said: "It was written there for Wayne to score a goal. He has been waiting for a while and his overall performance was good as well. To get a goal, that will cheer him up."