Ross Barkley believes Chelsea have given him the perfect platform to relaunch his England career and he is determined to make up for lost time.

It is almost two-and-a-half years since Barkley won the last of his 22 caps when coming on as a substitute in a friendly against Australia in Manchester; he has never played for Gareth Southgate and has not been in an England squad since March 2017.

Given the injury troubles he endured last season, along with the initial difficulties of settling in at Chelsea following his £15million move, it was not realistic to think he would go to the World Cup but he has started this campaign with a purpose and his performances for Maurizio Sarri have been bright.

Ross Barkley believes Chelsea have given him the platform to relaunch his England career

The midfielder has made a bright start to the season under new manager Maurizio Sarri

Southgate was at Anfield on Wednesday and watched Barkley contribute to a 2-1 win that propelled Chelsea into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup; England's head coach will have seen a player whose confidence levels have been restored.

There has always been a buzz around Barkley, who is a powerful midfielder with match defining ability, and he would certainly be an asset to an England team that is looking to progress. Missing the trip to Russia clearly hurt Barkley but he wants to put that right.

'These things happen in football and you have got to take them,' he said. 'I was injured and then I wasn't in the squad. But you have just got to react in the right, positive way. I feel like I have done that. It's important I let my football do the talking now.

Barkley's last cap came as a substitute in a friendly against Australia in Manchester in 2016

'I have got a platform. I'm at a massive club in Chelsea and we are going to challenge for all the titles this season. I believe that. I want to let my feet do the talking for my club and if that happens, I believe I will be back on the international scene sooner rather than later.

'I haven't spoken to (Southgate). I'm sure he is focused on the squad he is picking. I have had injuries and it's all about me going out to show what I can do for Chelsea. It's down to me to show I can be that (creative) player. I believe I can. I will keep improving - and I will show I am that type of player.'

Sarri's desire for Chelsea to play front-foot football will certainly be to Barkley's benefit and it's clear the Italian has already had an influence, with former Everton midfielder saying: 'The ambition is to add goals and assists to what I am doing. I'm hoping to add a lot more goals as the season goes on.'

Barkley (right) celebrates with Eden Hazard following the Belgian's winner against Liverpool

Barkley looks in the best physical shape of his career but he is also thriving from playing alongside stars such as Eden Hazard, whose goal to settle the contest at Anfield might end up being viewed as the best of the season. The 24-year-old was is in no doubt that Hazard is at the peak of his powers.

'He is not a selfish player,' said Barkley. 'He is happy getting two assists and the team winning. He is adding goals and he keeps improving. What did against Liverpool, honestly he's doing it every day in training so it's no surprise to us.

'What a goal! He's one of the best players in the world and he shows it (constantly). But he's been showing it for the last five or six years and he is establishing himself in the top three players in the world. At the minute, he is the best player in the world, I believe.'