Left Center Mid: Ross Barkley

Coauthored by Seth Johnson and Stephen Kirchner

Obtained from Google search “Ross Barkley,” labeled for noncommercial reuse

Height: 189 cm

Weight: 76 kg

Senior Experience: 2010-present

Caps: 21

Club: Everton (English Premier League)

Season Statistics: 8 Goals; 7 Assists; 44 Tackles

Role and Projected Tournament Outlook:

Ross Barkley made his debut for the senior national team in 2013 and played mostly as a substitute through the 2014 World Cup, but after making five appearances and two goals in the qualifying phase for this year’s European championships, he is poised to make the start for England (UEFA, 2016). For Everton this season, Barkley has been productive and consistent with eight goals and seven assists, and is still demonstrating the “youthful exuberance” and “maverick brilliance” that garnered him attention as a projected starter for the Three Lions in the first place (McNulty, “Euro,” 2015).

But with exuberance and maverick playing style comes caution, as manager Roy Hodgson has previously noted how Barkley’s individual playing style and in-game management are a little reckless and unchecked in his play. Despite the previous issues, though, Hodgson now recognizes that Barkley could be a key piece to success this summer after showing more discipline and maturity in the midfield, and making a convincing run through the qualifying phase (Mokbel, “Ross,” 2016).

Considering the English narrative post-Golden Generation, it is interesting to not that former English national player Frank Lampard has often compared Barkley to Wayne Rooney. According to Lampard, Barkley excels in fearlessness, ability and running that make him a classic No. 10 player, and that show shades of a younger Rooney in his playing time as a member of the Golden Generation (FA Staff, 2014).

How to cite this article: “Left Center Mid: Ross Barkley” Written by Seth Johnson and Stephen Kirchner (2016), European Cup 2016 Guide, Soccer Politics Blog, Duke University, http://sites.duke.edu/wcwp/tournament-guides/european-cup-2016-guide/english-national-team/englands-projecting-starting-xi/left-center-mid-ross-barkley/ (accessed on (date)).