Starlet is set to feature in his first-ever senior international tournament for his country next month.
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Everton head coach Roberto Martinez says that he would be delighted if his young midfielder Ross Barkley was selected in England’s 23-man World Cup squad for Brazil, however, the Spaniard claimed that he would also be equally happy were the wonderkid to be overlooked by Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson, according to reports in the Guardian.
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The England international has enjoyed an impressive campaign for the Merseyside giants under the watchful eye of the new Toffees boss, so much so that many people now expected the playmaker to be selected by Hodsgon when the national coach names his final squad for Rio a week on Monday after the conclusion to this season’s Premier League.
And while Martinez says that he would be thrilled for the 20-year-old were he to be given the nod by Hodgson, he also believes that Barkley would benefit hugely from going on holiday come the end of the campaign and having the summer off entirely after having featured in so many matches for the Merseysiders this season.
“Ross is a phenomenal talent and if England needs him he will be ready. If Roy doesn’t need him, a good holiday would be great,” said Martinez. “Ross is here to help England in whatever shape or form but he is still a very young man so it is not a case of being a last chance to be involved in a World Cup. He is a proud man in terms of playing for England and whatever happens he will be thrilled to accept it.
“I think if Ross has to go through without a holiday he will be fine because he is a young man. In a younger body, you get two weeks to switch off and it’s enough. But in the same way having a good holiday will help him. It’s a no lose situation. For older players I would be more worried, for example Gareth Barry. Would it be good for him to go to a World Cup? Maybe not.”
Barkley has so far managed to record an impressive six goals and three assists in total in his 37 matches in all competitions for Everton this season, including five strikes and two assists in his 33 Premier League outings for the club.
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