Conte backs Barkley for England WC role

AFP, LONDON: Chelsea boss Antonio Conte wants to help new signing Ross Barkley claim a place in England's World Cup squad even though he has not played since May due to a hamstring injury.

Barkley signed for Chelsea from Everton on Friday for a cut-price fee in the region of £15 million ($20 million, 17 million euros) as his Toffees contract was due to expire this summer.

Conte does not know when the 24-year-old -- who needed surgery -- will return, but Chelsea's Italian manager hopes the midfielder can make Gareth Southgate's Russia 2018 squad.

“We have five months to show he deserves a call with the national team for the World Cup,” Conte said. “I hope (he gets one), because it means he will do very well with us.”

 

Conte backs Barkley for England WC role

AFP, LONDON: Chelsea boss Antonio Conte wants to help new signing Ross Barkley claim a place in Englands World Cup squad even though he has not played since May due to a hamstring injury. Barkley signed for Chelsea from Everton on Friday for a cut-price fee in the region of 15 million ($20 million, 17 million euros) as his Toffees contract was due to expire this summer. Conte does not know when the 24-year-old -- who needed surgery -- will return, but Chelseas Italian manager hopes the midfielder can make Gareth Southgates Russia 2018 squad. We have five months to show he deserves a call with the national team for the World Cup, Conte said. I hope (he gets one), because it means he will do very well with us.