The Chelsea midfielder featured as we edged a five-goal thriller against the Gunners to ensure maximum points from our opening two fixtures, with Barkley having started both games.

After performing well in our opening-day win at Huddersfield, the 24-year-old impressed again at the weekend and went close to scoring on a couple of occasions, first with a dipping left-footed drive which dropped just over the bar and then with an angled strike which was tipped around the post by Petr Cech.

‘I’ve just got to do what I can,’ said Barkley, after being asked if the fact he was the sole Englishman involved on Saturday provided a good chance of catching the eye of Gareth Southgate.

‘I’m still learning and giving 100 per cent in training, trying to learn the new manager’s methods. Hopefully with my performances on the pitch I’ll be in the thoughts of the England manager.'