Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri believes England manager Gareth Southgate should recall midfielder Ross Barkley to the squad, the BBC reports.
Southgate will name his squad for upcoming games against World Cup runners-up Croatia and Spain in the Nations League on Thursday.
Barkley’s last England appearance was back in May 2016 in a friendly against Australia but his recent form has seen the Chelsea boss believe he deserves another international call-up.
Sarri said:
I think he can return to the national team. He is improving week by week.
I think that he can improve more, because he has the potential to. He has played more than last season in two months.
He had a very serious injury one year ago, I think, so he can improve from the tactical point of view and from the physical point of view.
The former Everton star made his England debut in 2013 and has 22 caps to his name so far.
Barkley was an unused substitute against Lithuania back in March this year but he was left out of Southgate’s squad for Russia.
The 24-year-old has made 13 appearances for Chelsea since completing his move from Everton in January and has been in fine form for his club so far this season.
Barkley spoke out on his beliefs that he deserves to return to the England squad.
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.
