You could say that England have already been bold by selecting Raheem Sterling to start against Italy. But they only went half way to the solution. Because it is clear as day that Roy Hodgson also needs to select Ross Barkley if they want to progress in this tournament.
Some think that the Everton star is too young to play at this World Cup – utter nonsense. If you are good enough you are old enough and, as far as we are concerned, Barkley is easily good enough to make a difference to this England team.
Barkley offers exactly what England were missing against Italy – someone to close down spaces in the midfield and to get forward more often and with more threat from that number 10 position.
We sincerely hope that England fans won’t, as has become traditional, have to wait until after a failed campaign before the England management realise that they need to promote the youngsters.
We believe that Barkley, Sterling, Phil Jones and Luke Shaw should all be in the side right now. But we will settle for the Everton and Liverpool lads for now. With them in the side England can still make a great impression at this World Cup.