The Everton midfielder was left out of the most recent England squad.
Everton’s Ross Barkley celebrates scoring their first goal
Charlie Nicholas has told Sky Sports that he believes Ross Barkley could replace Wayne Rooney in the current England setup.
There is widespread debate about the Three Lions captain at present following his display in the recent win over Slovakia, with many questioning whether he has a future in Sam Allardyce’s side.
Barkley is another whose international future is up for debate, with the England manager having left him out of the squad for that game.
England’s Wayne Rooney
Nicholas though, believes that the Everton midfield could be the long term replacement for Rooney, and that it could happen as soon as this World Cup qualifying campaign.
“I think in time, Barkley could be the one that takes over from Rooney, including this set up as it is now,” he told Sky Sports.
Everton’s Ross Barkley in action with Stoke City’s Joe Allen
First and foremost Barkley must start to shine on a regular basis for Everton to earn himself an England recall.
There is no denying the youngster’s quality, but he has often struggled to do so on a consistent basis during his time in the Blues first team.
If he can find that consistency under Ronald Koeman, then it is hard to see how he will not be in the England squad, at the least, sooner rather than later.
Everton’s Ross Barkley misses a penalty
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