Barkley only has himself to blame...

SELECTING Ross Barkley in the England squad should be a nobrainer. Instead, when Gareth Southgate finalises his 23-man party at St George’s Park today, the interim England manager will agonise over the Everton man’s inclusion.

Based on talent, the England team should be built around Barkley. Instead, he is in the international wilderness.

He showed flashes of his undoubted ability at Stamford Bridge yesterday, but not enough. Nowhere near enough.

Ahead of yesterday’s clash, England great Stuart Pearce, in his role as talkSPORT pundit, questioned Barkley’s in-game understanding. You can see where he is coming from.

Taking three touches, when one or two will suffice; dallying in possession when a simpler pass is available.

And Barkley fears he will be snubbed again tonight. If he is, he will only have himself to blame. The international future looked so bright for him 12 months ago when he played a leading role for Roy Hodgson as England recorded a perfect Euro 2016 qualification campaign.

Indeed, Hodgson earmarked Barkley for the influential No10 role for the tournament. Of course, things change in football. No one could have predicted the rapid emergence of Dele Alli, nor did we see Wayne Rooney’s evolution into an attacking midfielder.

Barkley had no control over those factors. However, he was in possession of the shirt — it was up to him to keep it.

He was accused of reporting for the pre-Euro 2016 training camp 5kg heavier than usual; former England captain Terry Butcher branding Barkley ‘overweight, lethargic and apprehensive’ ahead of the tournament.

In the end Barkley went to France — but did not play a single minute. He has not featured in a squad since.

Now Southgate is the man confronted with the Barkley conundrum. The England boss has already omitted him from one squad.

And unless Barkley finds some answers, he should probably get used to disappointment.