Ross Barkley has said he is determined to relaunch his England career, stressing that he currently is in the perfect platform to do so at Chelsea.
The 22-capped midfielder last played for the Three Lions in a friendly against Australia in May 2016 before injury struggles prevented the former Everton man from making another appearance for the national squad. While his last recent call-up was in March 2017, he never left the bench and also is yet to play under current England boss Gareth Southgate, who left him out of the recent World Cup.
However, Barkley has begun the current season with vim and vigour under Maurizio Sarri. He has performed steadily for the west London club and in midweek, Southgate attended the Blues’ League Cup victory over Liverpool at Anfield and will have watched a confident display in the middle of the park from the 24-year-old.
Having moved on from his injury struggles, the England midfielder is determined to get himself back in the running for a place in the Three Lions’ squad. “These things happen in football and you have got to take them,” said the Blues playmaker. “I was injured and then I wasn’t in the squad. But you have just got to react in the right, positive way. I feel like I have done that. It’s important I let my football do the talking now.
“I have got a platform. I’m at a massive club in Chelsea and we are going to challenge for all the titles this season. I believe that. I want to let my feet do the talking for my club and if that happens, I believe I will be back on the international scene sooner rather than later.”
While he is yet to talk with the England manager, Barkley is seen as the quintessential midfielder of his generation and has been quoted multiple times as the player closest to possessing Paul Gascoigne’s natural talent on the pitch – abilities he is adamant in showcasing at Stamford Bridge.
“I haven’t spoken to (Southgate),” continued Barkley. “I’m sure he is focused on the squad he is picking. I have had injuries and it’s all about me going out to show what I can do for Chelsea. It’s down to me to show I can be that (creative) player. I believe I can. I will keep improving – and I will show I am that type of player.”
