Ross Barkley revealed that England manager Roy Hodgson might call him for World Cup squad if he maintains his current form for Everton.
He made his debut as a substitute against Moldova a fortnight ago and Hodgson was impressed by the 19-year-old midfielder’s performance.
Barkley would play against West Ham today and he would be eager to continue to perform well and impress the England boss.
Daily Express quoted Barkley: “I have set my sights on the World Cup. It’s a goal for me. It will be hard, but through hard work hopefully I can get on the flight there.
“He told me to keep working hard and keep doing what I have been doing since the start of the season and if there comes a time that, because I am young, I’m on the bench, don’t let your head go down.
“He believes in me. He has high hopes for me. He sees me being able to go to Brazil if I keep progressing as I have done since the start of the season.
“For the first two days I was a bit star-struck looking at Lampard and Gerrard. But being around Jags [Phil Jagielka] and Bainesy [Leighton Baines], they got me involved and it felt as though I was meant to be there.”