Ross Barkley can be the player England lacked at World Cup, says Marcos Alonso

Marcos Alonso says Ross Barkley can be the player England lacked at the World Cup after his Chelsea team-mate’s impressive performance in the 3-2 Nations League win over Spain.

Barkley did not go to Russia in the summer but despite England reaching the semi-finals Alonso suggested they did not have a midfielder with the 24-year-old’s quality on the ball.

"Even at the World Cup England, despite playing well, were aware that they didn’t really have that kind of player, someone in the middle who played and made others play, who used the ball,” Alonso said. “He’s a great player. He showed it not just today but against Croatia (last Friday) too: he showed that he can be a great player. I hope he keeps improving and that he helps us at Chelsea to stay near the top.”

READ MORE: 5 things we learned as England beat Spain

READ MORE: ‘It’s coming home’ - England fans revel in Spain win

Barkley was a key element of Gareth Southgate’s three-man midfield in Seville – alongside the Tottenham Hotspur pair of Eric Dier and Harry Winks - having also started the game against Croatia in Rijeka which ended in a goalless draw.

He endured a nightmare 2017-18 campaign making only five appearances for Chelsea due to recurring hamstring problems. Southgate ruled him out of being part of England’s squad at the World Cup but Barkley has thrived under new Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri and scored his first goal for the club in the 3-0 win over Southampton before the international fixtures.

“Last year he had a long time out injured, the first year with us at Chelsea and I have no doubt that with confidence and minutes he is a great player and I hope that he can help us a lot for the rest of the season,” Alonso said.

Despite England’s impressive win over Spain, leading 3-0 at half-time through two goals from Raheem Sterling and one from Marcus Rashford, Alonso is convinced that his team should have had a second-half penalty which could have salvaged a point for them.

The incident came when goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was dispossessed by Rodrigo who, it was claimed, was pulled back as he bore down on the England goal. “He robs him off the ball, he’s ahead of him and if he doesn’t grab him, then Rodrigo has a clear goal, so it’s a penalty and red card but I don’t like to talk about the referees,” Alonso said.

The result means that Spain need to beat Croatia away next month to guarantee winning their Nations League group. All three countries could still win it and England would do if Spain lose or draw and they beat Croatia at Wembley a few days later. The first criteria is points, then the head-to-head between the nations and then goal difference. Winning 3-2 in Spain having lost 2-1 at Wembley would give England the advantage if the two teams tie on points.