March 24, 2015 14:07:15 UK
Everton manager Roberto Martinez has hinted that he would like to see midfield ace Ross Barkley take a complete break from the game this summer.
The 21-year-old creative midfielder has struggled for form for much of the current campaign, but has been back to close to his best in recent weeks, as the Toffees have won their last two Premier League games to move nine points clear of the drop zone.
However, Martinez wants to see his player fully refreshed for the action next season, hinting strongly that he would like to see Barkley sit out the European Under-21s championship in the Czech Republic in June.
He told the Liverpool Echo: “We need to look after him and make sure he has that sort of standard for the rest of the season and has a proper break in the summer.
“Do that and we will have a player completely new for next season after the experiences he has had this season.”
Barkley was a member of the full England squad who failed to make an impact at the World Cup finals in Brazil last summer, coming on as a sub against both Italy and Uruguay, before starting in the goalless draw with Costa Rica.
He is currently with the senior squad preparing for the Euro 2016 Wembley qualifier against Lithuania on Friday evening.
England can be backed at 1.10 to win that game and are 1.002 to qualify for the European Championships, while they are 12.00 to be crowned Euro 2016 champions.
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