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Roberto Martinez urges England fans to calm expectations of Ross Barkley

Everton manager Roberto Martinez calls on England fans not to expect too much from Ross Barkley at this summer's World Cup.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has urged England fans not to expect too much from midfielder Ross Barkley at the World Cup in Brazil.

The 20-year-old is one of a number of young players named in Roy Hodgson's 23-man squad for the tournament.

"What is important is, as a nation, we have a responsibility to look after a young man who goes to the World Cup with the only intention of helping England be as good as they can," Martinez told The AP.

"He is still young and we have to protect him. If we protect him well we are talking about a potential world-class talent. We shouldn't expect Ross Barkley, at the age of 20, to go into a World Cup and be someone who has to win games single-handedly. That would be very wrong."

England, who are joined by Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica in Group D, will begin their World Cup campaign on June 14.

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Jack Wilshere of England in action during the FIFA 2014 World Cup Qualifying Group H match between England and Moldova at Wembley Stadium on September 6, 2013
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