Phil Jagielka has stated that his Everton team-mate Ross Barkley is ready to shine in Brazil at the World Cup finals this summer.
Barkley has impressed for both club and country this season, after breaking into the full England squad late last year.
And his Everton team-mate has tipped him to go from strength to strength this summer, starting when England face Italy in Manaus on Saturday.
Jagielka said: “From the moment when Ross was about 14 you could see the talent.
“If you look at what he has got, he has a good physique, good in the air, right food, and more importantly loves the game of football. You cannot get him off the training ground.
“He had a couple of injuries when he was younger which set him back a bit and he did not get to play that much football because he was not around the first team at a young age. He was kept back.
“But everyone is expecting a lot of Ross because of the potential and this season has proved how much he has grown mentally”.
Barkley was a stand out performer at Everton last season, and was linked with moves to both Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Real Madrid due to his fine form.
The Liverpudlian local lad, who really broke into the squad at the start of the season, following loan spells at both Sheffield United and Leeds United during the 2012/13 season.
20 year old Barkley made 34 appearances for Roberto Martinez’ side last season, as Everton just missed out on the Champions League, finishing fifth in the end and qualifying for the Europa League.
Barkley also scored six goals in a positive campaign, and his form has earned him a starting role in Roy Hodgson’s side.
The quality, though, shone through and Jagielka recalled, speaking to the Dily Mirror: “He went through a bad period but the manager stood by him and he came out of it.
“As far as I’m concerned, and we’ve all seen it, he has got the whole package.
“We don’t want to put too much pressure on him but if you ask people for their opinions of him, they will be positive.
“You’d expect me to say that, especially with him being at Everton and me being his captain.
“But he doesn’t need his feet bringing down to earth as he is a nice lad. I have to make sure he does not take on any extra pressure.
“As soon as he crosses the line he wants to play football.
“I know people compare him to Wayne Rooney. They are not the same players but in terms of mindset, they are the same and that’s got to be good for us.”
