England manager Roy Hodgson has attempted to alleviate pressure from Ross Barkley's shoulders by insisting that the team's success in the World Cup does not hinge on the midfielder's performances.
The 20-year-old Everton star, who has been compared to Paul Gascoigne, impressed for the Three Lions during Wednesday night's 2-2 draw with Ecuador in Miami.
"I was anxious to play down the expectations," Hodgson told reporters. "I've seen too many young players lifted to the stars, made the new [Kevin] Keegan, the new [Glenn] Hoddle, the new Gascoigne, the new [John] Terry, the new Rio Ferdinand.
"Every time someone has half a good game, they're the new star. He is in our squad and he is there to play.
"We believe in him and we think he has a lot of qualities but people shouldn't be suggesting our World Cup should be hinging on his performance. It's too much responsibility to place on his shoulders and it could set him back."
England will begin their campaign in Brazil with a Group D clash against Italy in Manaus on June 14.
Danielle Joynson
