Marcos Alonso has suggested England could have gone further in the World Cup with a midfielder like Chelsea team-mate Ross Barkley in the squad.
Barkley has thrived under the management of Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea so far this season, earning a return to the England set-up as a result of his fine club form.
The 24-year-old impressed for the Three Lions against Alonso and Spain in the UEFA Nations League on Monday night, playing a key role in the crucial third goal as England secured a famous 3-2 victory in Seville.
And Alonso believes Gareth Southgate could have done with Barkley in Russia.
“Even at the World Cup England, despite playing well, were aware that they didn’t really have that kind of player, someone in the middle who played and made others play, who used the ball,” Alonso said (via the Telegraph).
“He’s a great player. He showed it not just today but against Croatia (last Friday) too: he showed that he can be a great player. I hope he keeps improving and that he helps us at Chelsea to stay near the top.”
Barkley a “great player”
Barkley signed for Chelsea in January but struggled with his recovery from a serious hamstring injury and only managed four appearances across all competitions under Antonio Conte.
He has already played seven games for Sarri and scored his first Premier League goal for the Blues in a 3-0 win at Southampton earlier this month.
Alonso, who is now in his third year at Chelsea, thinks Barkley can continue to be a key player for club and country after getting over his injury nightmare.
The Spaniard added: “Last year he had a long time out injured, the first year with us at Chelsea and I have no doubt that with confidence and minutes he is a great player and I hope that he can help us a lot for the rest of the season.”
Chelsea face Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The post England were missing Ross Barkley at the World Cup, says Marcos Alonso appeared first on Squawka News.
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