Ex-England forward Gary Lineker has heaped praise on Everton's Ross Barkley, comparing the young midfielder to Three Lions legend Paul Gascoigne.
Barkley has impressed in his first full Premier League season, and now Lineker believes that the 20-year-old can carry that form into this summer's World Cup.
He told the Daily Mail: "I see things in Barkley's game, in terms of strengths and weaknesses. Like Gazza he can go past people, he's incredibly strong.
"He's got a similar stature, got amazing ability and will score amazing goals like Gazza.
"On the defensive side he's slightly lacking in terms of tactical nous, but if you play him in a certain position that wouldn't necessarily be a problem."
Barkley is part of a younger-look England squad, with 19-year-old Everton teammate John Stones also earning a place on the standby list.
Written by
Phil Archbold
Phil Archbold
