Sam Allardyce says that leaving Everton midfielder Ross Barkley out of his first England squad was a difficult choice – but the Three Lions boss feels he got it right.
Toffees midfielder Barkley spoke last week of his disappointment at being an unused substitute by Roy Hodgson at this summer’s Euro 2016 Finals in France, where England suffered an ignominious exit at the hands of Iceland.
Worse news was to follow for the 22-year-old however when new boss Allardyce failed to name him in the 23-man squad for this weekend’s
Barkley has made a promising start under new Everton manager Ronald Koeman this season, scoring twice in four games.
That was not enough to secure a berth in the England set-up though, with Allardyce naming Dele Alli, Michael Antonio, Eric Dier, Danny Drinkwater, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, Raheem Sterling, Theo Walcott and – somewhat surprisingly – skipper Wayne Rooney as his midfield options.
Addressing Barkley’s omission, Allardyce said it has been a tough call to make but that ultimately, he is happy with his squad.
“We’ve had to make some very, very difficult decisions. None more so than Ross Barkley.
It’s disappointing for him. The door will always be open for Ross but at this moment I think the squad I’ve named is right,” said the England manager.
Allardyce’s decision to name Rooney as a midfielder caused some raised eyebrows.
He says he may or may not deploy his captain in a deeper role but he will seek to avoid causing any kind of stir when naming his squads in future.
“It’s not a reflection of where I’m likely to play him. Shall we say attacking-midfielder? Or striker? I think Rooney’s position has changed at Manchester United and that’s where I’ll be looking to play him,” Allardyce added.
“I may consider changing the format of the squad announcement next time, so it says no position!” England are 1.36 to win their World Cup qualifying group.
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