Barkley’s Dream of England Recall: Exploring the Possibility
Luton Town midfielder Ross Barkley has experienced a resurgence of form this season, leading to speculation about a potential England recall. The 30-year-old made a surprising move to Luton last summer after a brief stint in France. Since joining the Premier League newcomers, Barkley has played more league minutes than he has in seven years, reigniting hopes of representing his country once again.
A Return to Form
Speaking to BBC Sport, Barkley expressed his satisfaction with his current situation, stating, “I feel like I’m in a good place again.” He emphasized his focus on playing games, enjoying training, and helping his team perform at their best. After joining Everton at the age of 11, Barkley quickly made his mark and drew comparisons to Wayne Rooney. He even represented England in the 2014 World Cup, playing in all three matches.
Ups and Downs
Barkley’s career took a turn when he moved to Chelsea in 2018. Despite the initial excitement surrounding the transfer, the midfielder left the club by mutual consent at the start of the 2022-23 season after just 100 appearances. In search of a fresh start, Barkley joined Nice in France but found limited playing time. After only nine starts in 27 appearances in Ligue 1, Barkley returned to England with Luton following their promotion to the Premier League.
Lessons Learned
Reflecting on his time at Nice, Barkley acknowledged that he had learned valuable lessons, particularly in terms of defensive play. He observed that the French league emphasized aggressive pressing and saw some dangerous tackles in training. Although he felt he should have played more, Barkley expressed his eagerness to prove himself and rediscover his love for the game.
A Change of Role
At 30 years old and with over 250 Premier League games under his belt, Barkley has embraced a new role as a deeper-lying midfielder. This position is reminiscent of his early days in youth football before a leg injury led to a shift to an attacking midfielder role. Barkley credited his success in this new position to the trust shown by his manager at Luton and his own improved decision-making skills.
A Chance for an England Recall
Barkley’s recent performances have led to calls for an England recall. Former England midfielder Jermaine Jenas and Barkley’s former Chelsea teammate Cesc Fabregas have both praised his current form. Barkley himself believes he is a better player now than in his younger days and feels he can contribute to the national team. However, he acknowledges the fierce competition for places and remains focused on continuing to improve.
World Cup Memories
As Euro 2024 approaches, it has been almost five years since Barkley last represented England. The upcoming summer also marks a decade since he played in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil as a 20-year-old. Barkley cherishes the memories of that experience, including facing formidable opponents like Italy and Uruguay. He admits that, as a young player, he may not have fully appreciated the significance of the tournament but hopes to have another opportunity to compete on the world stage.
The Future
Looking ahead, Barkley remains uncertain about his future after this season. He is solely focused on giving his best for Luton, helping the team secure their place in the Premier League. With age on his side, Barkley intends to enjoy the present moment and make the most of his playing career.
As Ross Barkley continues to excel at Luton Town, the possibility of an England recall grows stronger. With a newfound role and a refreshed mindset, Barkley aims to prove his worth and contribute to both club and country. Whether or not he receives that call-up remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain – Barkley is relishing the opportunity to showcase his skills and make a lasting impact on the game he loves.