Former Everton star Ross Barkley is being tipped for an unexpected return to Gareth Southgate’s England squad.
Southgate is set to announce the squad at 2pm tomorrow (March 14) and Barkley will be hoping for his inclusion in the selection.
The 30-year-old made an unexpected move to newly-promoted Luton Town at the beginning of the season following a brief spell for OGC Nice in France.
Barkley made his first Premier League appearance for boyhood club Everton at age 18 in 2011.
His form at the Toffees earned him selection for the England squad, prior to his move to Chelsea in 2018.
The struggles to follow at Chelsea have been well documented, with his last England appearance coming in 2019.
His move to Luton has restarted the midfielder’s career, with Barkley returning to form.
Barkley has shifted deeper into midfield, a position he was used to earlier in his career in youth football before breaking his leg on international duty for England Under 19s.
This position change under manager Rob Edwards has earned the midfielder his recent plaudits, with Barkley now waiting to see if it is enough to earn him a spot in Southgate’s squad.
On hopes of a recall, Barkley told BBC Sport: “Why not? I feel like I’m a much better player now than I was when I was younger.
“I’m not going to lie, it’s in the back of my mind, but I know there’s a lot of competition for places in the England squad.
“I do back myself. I believe I can add something to the squad.
“I believe the lower midfield role for me, it’s perfect for me now. I have a better understanding of the game.
“I can take risks, create assists and defensively I’m much more disciplined now.”
(Picture by Alamy Images under agreed licence)
