Blues boss says midfielder brings something different to international set up
Roberto Martinez says the “uniqueness” of Ross Barkley means he should be selected for the World Cup.
The Everton manager has backed Barkley to win a seat on the plane to Brazil this summer and believes he can offer England something they don’t have.
Barkley was in scintillating form earlier this season and looked a shoo-in for Roy Hodgson’s squad but a fractured toe injury and a short loss of form now puts his place in the squad in doubt.
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Football – England Training – Tottenham Hotspur Training Ground
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Barkley’s World Cup chances were boosted when he was named in the Three Lions squad for the friendly with Denmark last week and Martinez told the ECHO that the 20-year-old is getting back to his best – and ready for the greatest stage of all.
“I always feel Ross brings something so different to the England camp because of the uniqueness of his talent,” said Martinez.
“If you ask me about him being a young player and he has only been in the Premier League for a short time, that would never concern me.
“He can play the occasion and is ready to play at the highest level. You saw that against Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
I thought he was back to his very best there and was playing against very experienced players like (Mikel) Arteta and (Mathieu) Flamini.”
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Everton FC player, Ross Barkley
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Barkley was only introduced in the final eight minutes of Everton’s win over Cardiff City at the weekend, but added: ”Is Ross ready to give something to the England squad?
The answer is yes.
“You just need to understand that there has to be a role that the manager wants you to fill. If the manager wants to bring more experienced players to play in a certain way, my answer is that Ross is ready to fulfil his potential. He is quite unique in what he brings to the game.”
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