Ross Barkley has revealed his desire to force his way back into the England team over the coming season.
2018 has proven to be a very eventful year for the 24-year-old so far. During the first half of last season, Barkley did not play for his former club Everton at all due to a long-term hamstring injury. Although he was one of the most admired players at the Toffees since being introduced to the club’s first team via the youth development system in 2010, Barkley upset many fans when he refused to sign a new contract at Goodison Park.
During the January transfer window, Everton had no choice but to sell Barkley to Chelsea for £15 million, which is a bargain price for a player of his calibre, as they were at risk of losing him for free.
Since his move to Stamford Bridge, Barkley has made only four appearances for the club in all competitions, with his match fitness clearly a work in progress. Due to his lack of involvement on the field last season, he was not included in the England squad that reached the semi-finals the World Cup in Russia.
Despite this setback, he is still hoping to don the jersey of the Three Lions once again.
“To earn a regular spot at Chelsea is my main focus,” said Barkley. “If I do well at Chelsea, then the national team will take care of itself. Chelsea is a massive club, you aim to win the Premier League or are challenging for trophies with the aim to win everything.
“It will take care of itself if you keep producing the goods on the pitch, so I am focusing on what I can do for my club right now, but one of my goals is to get back in the England set-up and to keep progressing. I am working day-by-day, giving it my all and I am ready to kick on this season.”
