Dean Smith has revealed that he promised Ross Barkley that he would make England’s Euro 2020 squad by joining Aston Villa.
The 26-year-old made the move on loan from Chelsea late last month and has hit the ground running.
Not only did Barkley score on his debut against Liverpool, shining in an unforgettable 7-2 win, but he also fired home the late winner away to Leicester City on Sunday night.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Smith went into detail about the promise he made the midfielder when he joined the club:
He’s a high-calibre player. I’m thankful to Chelsea that they’ve loaned him to us.
I sold him the project here and told him I’ll get him in the Euros squad and he’s going to try and help us win football games. He’s certainly done that in his first couple.
He couldn’t have started better. Being a Blue, getting that win and scoring against the Reds (in a 7-2 win before the international break) and then getting that in the 91st minute couldn’t have been a better start for him or us.
It was a tough game and that bit of quality shone through at the end.
Read Aston Villa Verdict
I think Barkley and Villa look a match made in heaven, with the early signs suggesting that both parties will benefit this season.
It was always going to be difficult for the ex-Everton man to earn regular starts at Chelsea, but he already looks a key player at Villa.
With Douglas Luiz and John McGinn adding more defensive protection in midfield, Barkley has been let off his leash, showing his undeniable quality in the final third.
England are missing midfield guile under Gareth Southgate, too often fielding the likes of Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, Eric Dier or Harry Winks together, but Barkley brings something different to the table.
It’s all about consistency with him, but if he keeps up his current form, a place at the Euros looks likely.
