Roberto Martinez claims Roy Hodgson isn’t getting the best out of Ross Barkley, who is “the best in the business” at leading counter attacks.
Barkley has been in fine form this season, making every league XI for Everton this season and scoring three goals.
His impressive performances have also rewarded him with England call-ups. This season he has featured four times for England, coming away with four wins and scoring two goals.
But, Martinez has warned Hodgson, he will have to change Barkley’s role if he is to get the best out of him.
Hodgson likes a possession-based style of play with England, but Martinez believes the team setup should be in order to play to the strengths of Barkley.
“People will look at what he does defensively but what I look at is what Ross can do offensively against these sorts of teams,” said the Everton boss as he spoke to FourFourTwo.
“Because these teams when they lose the ball, there is space, but you need pace and power to break into that space. Ross gives you that.
“Those four seconds as soon as you win the ball, who can affect the game then in transition? He is the best in the business.
“If England don’t want to play like that, if they just want to wait and get set and have the ball, then Ross is not special. It depends on what England want from Ross really.
“We have got to that point where Ross Barkley knows how special he is and what he does. With England, depending on how they want to use him, he will be influential or not.”
England face two tough tests as they face both Spain and France as preparations for next summer continue and it will be interesting if Hodgson opts with the same philosophy for the friendlies.
