Everton manager Roberto Martinez believes Ross Barkley should now concentrate on his role at the club following an international diversion with England, writes ESPN.
Martinez is adamant that the Everton midfielder must carry on playing well for the club if he is to book himself a place on the plane to Brazil next summer. Barkley made appearances in both of England friendlies against Chile and Germany at Wembley and has put himself in contention for a place in Roy Hodgson’s finals squad.
The Toffees boss will be making his Merseyside derby debut as manager on Saturday when Liverpool travel to Goodison Park, and the former Wigan manager has pleaded for his players to prove their worth in the Premier League.
Martinez is keen for Barkley to focus on playing football at club level now until the end of the season. “In football, you need to concentrate on the day-to-day work, and that’s where Ross is,” he said.
“He’s enjoying his experience with England,” Martinez added. “When he came on yesterday, he was himself, and that’s always important. But all he needs to do now is concentrate on his club role and make sure that he’s ready to help the team, enjoy his season, develop and grow.
“And then the reward is always around the corner after your good work on a daily basis.
“Sometimes you can get confused as a player,” Martinez went on. “But the question of how you’re going to affect what happens in the national team is very easy to answer. It’s about what you do at club level.”
Barkley has represented the Three Lions at every level from Under-16s to the senior squad, and has excelled at Everton following loan spells at Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday last season. The 19-year-old has made appearances in all of Everton’s Premier League games this season, scoring two goals in the process.
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