Is Ross Barkley the answer to more England joy?

Fighting for his place

Barkley has been used to being the first name on the team-sheet for a lot of his young career. But at Stamford Bridge that is very rarely the case.

N’Golo Kante and Jorginho are near shoe-ins in a three-man midfield. This leaves Barkley and Mateo Kovacic.

Two can’t go into one and Mauricio Sarri has usually gone with the on-loan Real Madrid man.

However, while Kovacic offers calmness and silky passing, Barkley showcases a directness and willingness to get into the final third from midfield that both Chelsea and England are missing.

England are also in transition and are exploring ways of favouring a more attacking midfield trio.

There will be others that come to the party before the Euros next summer, so will Barkley keep hold of the shirt?

Alternatives

Barkley may be confident of keeping his position ahead of this summer’s Nations League finals, but it’s the Euros in 2020 that will be on everyone’s mind.

England are currently 11/2 second-favourites to win the competition after their courageous run to the World Cup last four in 2018.

But there’s already pressure on that role to be England’s driving force from midfield.

Jordan Henderson is very versatile, but won’t be that off-the-cuff threat in the final third.

The competition may come from the likes of World Cup star Ruben Loftus-Cheek and also the wily Jesse Lingard, who has a knack of coming up with big goals.

Jack Grealish could have a shout – especially if he plays Premier League football next season. But the one to keep an eye on could be Leicester City’s James Maddison.

If his second season in the top-flight is anything like his debut campaign, then Gareth Southgate may have a decision to make.

Click here for the latest Euro 2020 odds.

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