Everton manager Roberto Martinez has claimed that Gareth Southgate was right to leave Ross Barkley out of his squad for this summer's European Under-21 Championship.
Barkley appeared for the senior side at the World Cup last year, and Martinez believes that the 21-year-old midfielder should be allowed to focus on making progress in Roy Hodgson's squad after another long campaign.
"I think Ross is a player who has already been in a tournament with the senior side and it is common sense when you are in the Under-21s and go into a big tournament it is to prepare you for the seniors," he told reporters.
"I think with Ross it makes sense he is allowed to concentrate on the senior squad. He hasn't been involved in the qualifying rounds and I think it makes sense the team that qualified stayed for the tournament.
"He needs a good break. I think it has been an incredibly mature role the one he has developed this season without catching real highlights."
Barkley has won 12 caps for the senior side.
Callum Mulvihill
