Ross Barkley is winning his battle to convince Roy Hodgson he can start for England during Euro 2016.

Hodgson has paid particularly close attention to the Everton midfielder’s performances this season ahead of the European Championships.

The England manager has never doubted Barkley’s attacking prowess, but has doubts over the 22-year-old’s in-game management.

Graph shows an in-depth focus of midfielder Ross Barkley and how he has impressed this season

Barkley (left) has been a central figure for Everton and his form has caught the eye of Roy Hodgson

Indeed, in June 2014 after Barkley’s first international start, Hodgson said: 'He lost the ball an awful lot of times. ‘If he's going to be the player we want him to be, he has to make better decisions of when he turns with the ball.

‘I think Ross had some good moments. I think he needs to learn when he can turn with the ball and when he has to keep the ball.’ Those concerns had left Hodgson torn over whether Barkley could play regularly for his side in France.

The England manager has always rated the 22-year-old but previously questioned his game management

Barkley has struck 11 times for his club so far and has added both goals and maturity to his all-round game

Barkley, though, is winning Hodgson over - the England boss now more certain than ever the Liverpool-born attacker can play a pivotal role.

Hodgson has been impressed with the level of discipline and maturity Barkley has added to his game this season.

And Barkley is now set for a lead role for England this summer.

The Toffees attacking midfielder has started in four of the last five England internationals and will be handed a further chance to state his case in the forthcoming friendlies against Germany and Holland.

With 19 caps and 2 goals for England Barkley is set for a starring role at this summer's tournament

Barkley was due to be part of a 40-man England get together at St George’s Park yesterday as Hodgson finalises his plans for the tournament.

His club team-mate Tom Cleverley was also part of the gathering; despite making his last international appearance in November 2013.

It is understood no uncapped players were invited to yesterday’s debrief; a decision that has surprised West Ham manager Slaven Bilic.

Aaron Cresswell and Mark Noble - who are both uncapped - have both played a starring role for the Hammers’ impressive season.

Likewise, Andy Carroll, who played for Hodgson at Euro 2012, was also omitted.

And Bilic said: ‘Forty players and none of our’s are there? Really? ‘I was a manager of a national team for six years (Croatia), so I don't like to interfere like that. I don't know situation in the dressing room. ‘All I can say that if you ask me, I didn't see many midfielders having better seasons than Mark Noble or a better left-back than Aaron Cresswell.

‘They should at least be mentioned.’ Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew took a similar tack yesterday.

Scott Dann, Wilfried Zaha - who has two England caps - and Joel Ward have all been tipped for international recognition but were not invited to St George’s Park.

“None of our players have gone, he [Hodgson] must have a very, very good squad.’



