Barkley settling having banked first experience

The 19-year-old – who spent loan spells with Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United last season – made his debut as a second-half substitute in September’s World Cup qualifier against Moldova after a surprise call-up by head coach Roy Hodgson.

It remains his only cap so far having been fast-tracked from the Under-21s for whom he made just five appearances.

However, Barkley is widely expected to start in tomorrow’s Wembley friendly against Chile.

“It was a nice surprise to be selected (in September’s squad),” he said. “The gaffer (Everton boss Roberto Martinez) told me and I was over the moon. It just shows that hard work pays off.

“The first two days I’d say there were a lot of nerves, but then it settled because it felt like I was meant to be there.

“It’s helpful being around different players that I’m not used to – being around big-name players.

“It’s good just talking to them and seeing the way they approach games. It bodes well for future games for me.

“It was unfortunate I just missed out on a goal, but it’s always good playing for your country.

“To come on for the seniors was a great feeling and a good moment for my family as well.”

Despite his age and limited experience, Barkley says he has dreamed of going to a World Cup, although he insists performing for his club has to take precedence.

“It’s every youngster’s dream to play in the World Cup,” he said.

“But I’m not really thinking about it at the moment – hopefully if I play well for Everton then I will push into that team and get to (next summer’s finals in) Brazil.”

Barkley has emerged as a key performer in Everton’s encouraging start to the season.

That he has been so involved is largely down to the faith put in him by Martinez, who has given the teenager an attacking role in an advanced midfield position.

“He’s given me a lot of freedom, he believes in me,” added Barkley.

“It’s good because he’s put the belief into all of the players and we’re all playing well.

“He wants me to be an all-round player, and to be able to play in lots of different positions.

“He’s spoken to me a lot about stuff like that and tactical ways of the game.”

If Barkley does start, as anticipated, it will probably be under the leadership of Frank Lampard rather than regular captain Steven Gerrard.

The Liverpool midfielder has been ruled out of England’s game against Chile, manager Hodgson confirming he will not be risked against the Chileans because of a hip injury.

Gerrard had an injection in the area which has caused him some discomfort over the last two weeks, and he sat out training yesterday along with Sheffield-born Kyle Walker, who has also been ruled out of tomorrow’s game.

Given that Gerrard is 33, Hodgson’s decision to rest his captain is a wise one, particularly as he will want the player fit and ready to take on Germany next week.

England are hopeful that Gerrard will be fit for Tuesday night’s game against their old foe, but it will likely be Lampard who leads out Hodgson’s men tomorrow.

He has a mild cold, but he trained yesterday and is on course to wear the armband on the night he picks up a golden cap to mark the century of appearances he brought up against Ukraine last month.

It will be a special night for the 35-year-old, whose two daughters Isla and Luna will be mascots.

For relatively new international players like Southampton striker Rickie Lambert, Lampard is an England icon.

“He has been superb,” said the 31-year-old Saints forward, who made his England debut in 
August.

“To be involved with players like Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and Steven Gerrard, who have played over 100 caps, is an honour.

“You can see why they have got 100 caps when you train with them every day. They are top professionals and top players.

“It is full credit to him (Lampard). He fully deserves it.”

Although Lampard has a strong chance of making it in to Hodgson’s 23-man party for the World Cup, he may struggle to start a game in Brazil due to the swelling ranks of central midfielders at Hodgson’s disposal.

One of them is Adam Lallana with whom Lambert has played for over four years at Southampton.

With Gerrard and Manchester United’s Michael Carrick both out, the chances of Lallana making his England debut have increased while fellow Saints man Jay Rodriguez also looks set to play some part against Chile due to the absence of Danny Welbeck.

Lambert enjoyed a memorable England debut when he came off the bench to score the winner against Scotland at Wembley, and he thinks either Lallana or Rodriguez could make a similar impact.

“I am sure that if they get the chance, it’s possible,” Lambert said.

“They are absolutely great players. When they get the cap I am sure they will do well.

“They are very mentally strong. Even though they are happy to be here, they fully understand that you have to impress and they are determined to do that.”

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge missed training yesterday because of bruising on his foot, increasing the chances of Lambert making his fourth England appearance tomorrow.

Hodgson has always maintained he will use the game against Chile to experiment, particularly as he only has two further games before he has to select his provisional 
30-man squad for Brazil.

Manchester United duo Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are 
almost certain to feature at the back while Hodgson has the option of handing Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs his first cap in three years.

In midfield, 19-year-old Barkley should start while Celtic’s Fraser Forster is expected to get the nod in goal.

Jack Wilshere took part in training yesterday after Hodgson had a 10-minute chat with his club manager Arsene Wenger at 
Arsenal’s base, which England are using prior to Friday’s friendly.