Football
Mike Whalley 9y

Ross Barkley should not play for England under-21s - Roberto Martinez

LIVERPOOL -- Ross Barkley has outgrown England's under-21 side and should not be selected to play for them at this year's European Championships, according to Everton manager Roberto Martinez.

England are one of eight teams who have qualified for the European finals, to take place in the Czech Republic in June.

Under-21 manager Gareth Southgate -- who signed a new deal on Thursday -- has indicated that he will not select Liverpool's 20-year-old winger Raheem Sterling, who has become a regular with Roy Hodgson's senior side.

And Martinez thinks that Barkley, who played in all three of the Three Lions' games at last year's World Cup in Brazil, should be omitted for the same reason.

The Toffees boss argues that a summer of under-21 football would not only be a step backwards for the 20-year-old, but would also block the progress of younger players coming through.

Martinez said: "We've got a very good relationship with the FA and with Gareth Southgate, and we'll speak about it, I'm sure.

"It's one of those situations. Ross Barkley's been involved in the best possible tournament, which is the World Cup, with the senior side.

"So I don't think the other tournaments can be a positive -- not just for him, but for the rest of the squad.

"I think those experiences at under-21 level are to prepare you for the senior side. Once you get to a senior level, you are blocking someone else's path.

"I think Ross has had terrific experiences. He's growing all the time. But clearly, it's going to be a decision based on what the under-21s manager wants to do. We'll always be happy to assess that."

Martinez, who is continuing to search for a new goalkeeper as Tim Howard recovers from a calf injury, has ruled out a move for Sheffield Wednesday's Republic of Ireland international Keiren Westwood.

Asked if there was any truth in the link with Westwood, the manager said: "No. Not at all."

Martinez said that defenders Tony Hibbert and Sylvain Distin could return from injury when Everton host West Brom in the Premier League on Monday.

Right-back Hibbert has been out of action with a leg injury since early December, while centre-half Distin has missed two matches with a groin problem.

Winger Aiden McGeady serves a one-match suspension after being sent off during Tuesday's FA Cup defeat at West Ham.

Martinez said: "Tony is close to a return and we will assess him over the next 48 hours. But we have to be careful that we don't push him too early.

"Sylvain should be training with the group tomorrow and again we will assess him to see if he can make the squad."

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