Ross Barkley reveals World Cup snub got him very frustrated.
Barkley had a very underwhelming 2017/18 as he barely appeared for Chelsea having moved to the West London club from Everton. The young midfielder featured in just five matches last season as he juggled between fitness and an injury.
The English international missed the most of the campaign due to a hamstring injury but has made a good start to this campaign. He has been one of the key midfielders in Maurizio Sarri’s setup and has been quite productive for the Blues.
England progressed to the semifinal in the World Cup as Southgate reorganized the squad available at his disposal. Barkley was eventually rewarded for his performance as he was recalled by Southgate to the England squad ahead of their UEFA Nations League clash against Ukraine and Spain.
Barkley said, “It was frustrating for me because England means the world to me, to play for your country, but these things happen in football and you have to react and work hard to get your rewards, which I am doing.
“I was proud to see the lads do really well and see how proud the country was of the boys.
After where I was at, I had had a difficult season through injuries and I had a few niggles but kept a positive mind. I had a strong pre-season and things are going well for me now.”
