Chelsea’s Barkley hopeful of England recall
Ross Barkley is optimistic his performances for Chelsea will earn an England recall on Thursday.
The 24-year-old has thrived under Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri and hopes to be named in Gareth Southgate’s squad for this month’s matches with World Cup finalists Croatia and Spain.
Barkley could then feature for Chelsea in Thursday night’s Europa League Group L tie with Hungarian champions Vidi at Stamford Bridge.
“I’m playing a big role in the side at the minute and I believe my performances show I’m capable of being in the England squad, hopefully,” said Barkley, who missed out on England’s World Cup squad.
Mateo Kovacic has been preferred to Barkley of late in the Premier League, but the Englishman started the Europa League win at PAOK and the Carabao Cup success at Liverpool.
“The amount of games I’ve played, I’m ready to be called up,” Barkley added.
“I’ve just got to do what I can for Chelsea and hopefully that will take care of itself with the national team.”
Southgate last month outlined his desire for a creative midfielder in the mould of Paul Gascoigne, something which might have attracted Barkley’s attention given prior comparisons made between the two players.
After a series of seasons interrupted by injury, including last term on joining Chelsea from Everton in January, Barkley believes he is improving under Sarri.
“His style of play really suits mine,” Barkley added.
“As the season goes on I’ll show a lot more what I’m capable of, I’ll start to score a lot more and assist a lot more.”
Sarri, meanwhile, has suggested Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be selected on Thursday after recovering from a shin injury.
