Barkley can reach the potential he showed at Everton, says Carragher

Ross Barkley can reach the potential he showed in his Everton days at Chelsea if he maintains his early season form according to Jamie Carragher.

Barkley scored a late equaliser against Manchester United on Saturday for his first ever goal at Stamford Bridge despite signing for the Blues 12 months ago.

The midfielder struggled to get game time under Antonio Conte but has been favoured by new manager Maurizio Sarri, and his performances this term for Chelsea earned him a recall by England boss Gareth Southgate for the latest round of UEFA Nations League matches.

Although Barkley had little impact in the Three Lions' game against Croatia, he impressed during the 3-2 win over Spain.

“I’m pleased for Ross Barkley tonight,” Carragher told Sky Sports after England’s victory.

“Even on the back of Croatia – he’s started really well at Chelsea – people were still looking at the Croatia game and saying ‘did he bring enough? Did he do enough?’

“It was a difficult game to play in. He was involved in one of the goals but he also played really well tonight. He’s had an up and down couple of years – criticism leaving Everton, didn’t quite happen at Chelsea, injuries as well… there’s no doubt that lad has got talent.

“If he can put it all together with his decision making going forward, he could be that creative player, that we said on the back of the World Cup, that England still lacked.”

Barkley was not included in the 23-man squad that traveled to Russia last summer due to the lack of minutes he played for his club and Southgate selected Dele Alli and Jesse Lingard in creative midfield roles instead.

However, both of those players were not involved in the latest England squad due to injuries and Barkley could now cement his place despite having only made 24 appearances so far in his international career.

Next up for Barkley and Chelsea is a meeting with BATE in the Europa League before a Premier League clash with Burnley.