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Martinez urges patience regarding Barkley
Having been humbled by the dynamism and youth of Germany's team in South Africa four years ago, many followers of the English national team have welcomed the inclusion of some of the nation's younger talent like Barkley, Luke Shaw, Raheem Sterling and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Pundits like Gary Lineker, England's goalscoring hero of the 1986 and 1990 Finals, have added to the growing anticipation by likening Barkley to Paul Gascoigne but while Martinez believes Barkley is ready for the experience of his first World Cup but has urged Hodgson's team to protect him.
"My message to every English fan and supporter in general is that we should embrace the younger generation who have been called up by the England manager," Martinez told PA Sport.
"But we have to understand we carry a responsibility of allowing the young players to have a positive experience, whatever that is."
The Everton boss cautions the nation against expecting too much from a player who, with just one full Premier League season under his belt, is still a rough diamond, albeit a potential jewel in Everton's — and England's — crown.
"You can never get an experience like playing in a World Cup too soon if you are ready and Ross is ready,'' Martinez continued.
"What is important is, as a nation, we have a responsibility to look after a young man who goes to the World Cup with the only intention of helping England be as good as they can.
"He is still young and we have to protect him. If we protect him well we are talking about a potential world-class talent."
"But it is down to us to allow him time and a little bit of a path to fulfil his potential with England.
Martinez, who will reprise his 2010 role as an in-studio expert for ESPN's US coverage of the World Cup, concluded: "We shouldn't expect Ross Barkley, at the age of 20, to go into a World Cup and be someone who has to win games singlehandedly. That would be very wrong.''
"Whatever they bring to this World Cup is a bonus. We should be looking further ahead to see the results of these youngsters. Experience in a World Cup has to be a positive one whatever the results are.
Reader Comments (6)
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2 Posted 16/05/2014 at 10:28:01
Interested to see how Baines performs in the competition. For me he has looked half the player we see at Goodison when he pulls on an England jersey; however, the last game he played (can't remember which) he seemed to be growing with confidence.
3 Posted 16/05/2014 at 10:42:50
4 Posted 16/05/2014 at 11:11:48
5 Posted 16/05/2014 at 13:55:58
He will have a 'mare because he will trying too hard, hoping to make something happen out of nothing. Then everyone will be massively disappointed because he hasn't pulled England out of the shit by scoring a wonder-goal. All too predictable.
6 Posted 16/05/2014 at 19:05:02
The Vultures will be hovering no doubt but hopefully Baines signing a new contract will make him see sense and stay.
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1 Posted 15/05/2014 at 18:48:55
Even better, I hope they all sign new long-term contracts with EFC upon their return.
I appreciate what RM is saying. It is only sensible. But wasn't RM himself who compared Barkley to Gazza? He is the eternal optimist, I realize. But when the manager talks like that, how can the fans and media not get carried away?