Roberto Martinez unsure if Ross Barkley is ready for World Cup

Roberto Martinez admits that this summer’s World Cup may have come a year too early for Ross Barkley.

The 20-year-old midfielder has thrived under new manager Martinez at Everton this season, scoring five goals in 31 Premier League appearances.

He still has to learn the game, he still has to learn when to pass it early and when to run with it

Roberto Martinez

Barkley’s sparkling form has inevitably led to speculation that he could be set for a call-up to Roy Hodgson’s England squad for the tournament in Brazil.

But Toffees boss Martinez is unsure whether the youngster, who has three senior caps to his name, is ready to be involved in the tournament.

“With other people available who are playing more regularly, the World Cup might be a season too early for him,” Martinez told talkSPORT.

“It’s his first full season in the first-team and he’s made fantastic strides, there’s no doubt about it. But he still has to learn the game, he still has to learn when to pass it early and when to run with it.

“He is so exciting when he runs with the ball, but you’d want a slightly better goal return from someone in his position.

“There’s no doubt about it he’s going to be a terrific player, whether or not it’s a little bit early for Brazil, I’m not sure.”