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Roberto Martinez believes Ross Barkley has outgrown England Under-21s and his selection for this summer's tournament would hinder the progress of younger players who would benefit from the experience.

Under-21s manager Gareth Southgate has effectively ruled out selecting Raheem Sterling for the event in the Czech Republic in June because of the youngster's status for Liverpool and the senior side.

Martinez believes Barkley falls into the same category but accepts if Southgate chose to call up the 21-year-old, the club would not raise any objections.

"I have said many times it depends on the type of role, what the season has been like for Ross," said Martinez on the prospect of Barkley's under-21 participation.

"At the moment it is impossible to give a straight answer. We have a very good relationship with the FA and Gareth Southgate and we will speak about it I am sure.

"Ross has been involved in the best possible tournament - the World Cup with the senior side - so I don't think the other tournaments can be a positive for him or the rest of the squad.

"Those experiences at under-21 are to prepare you for the senior level and once you have reached the senior level I think you are blocking someone else's path.

"Ross has been full of terrific experiences and is growing all the time. Clearly it will be a decision based on what the under-21s manager wants to do."

Tuesday's FA Cup third-round replay defeat to West Ham - which they lost 9-8 on penalties - was a major disappointment but Martinez believes they have to use it as a positive.

The Toffees boss is already looking at maximising the benefit a free weekend later this month brings by taking his squad abroad.

"We are looking into if we have an opportunity to work in a warm-weather training camp, which would help as you can get extra work done," he added.

The Spaniard was heartened by the display at West Ham but would like to see a change to the competition's rules.

"We had to play over an hour with 10 men and the way we did was a real successful story," he added.

"Any other competition around the world we would have got through on away goals."

We had to go through the lottery of penalties and unfortunately luck didn't allow us to get through.

"We did everything we could have done. If you are going to be knocked out of a competition that is the way to be knocked out.

"With the reality of the amount of games we have in the programme it is impossible to have too many replays but I think if you can avoid penalties to decide things it is better than being in the lap of the gods.

"I'd rather toss a coin at that point as you avoid a lot of the emotions.

"Away goals is something that is used in other competitions and works well and it would force teams to go out and score goals."