Ross Barkley believes that he can step into the void to be left in the England set-up by the potential losses of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.

The Liverpool and Chelsea pair have been ever-present for the Three Lions for the best part of 15 years, and have widely been lauded as two of the country’s best ever midfielders.

However, the latter looks likely to head out of the action at the age of 36, while the England captain, two years his junior, is rumoured to be also be considering his role as he looks to prolong his club career.

With the pair having been so influential, there is naturally some worry among the fans that there are a lack of replacements coming through, but Barkley – who was impressive in a dismal Wold Cup campaign – says that he, and other youngsters, can push on and fill their boots:

“I want them [Gerrard and Lampard] to carry on, but it’s their decision. I hope they do stay on, but if they don’t it’s up to the young lads to step up.” He is quoted by talkSPORT.

“I believe I can do that. I believe in myself and I’m confident. This tournament has been a big disappointment but I’ll learn from it and it will help me in the future.

“You’ve got to have these type of things to learn from. I think I’ve benefitted from this tournament, and I think all the young lads will have done. We didn’t do well on the pitch but being around all the experienced players has been good for me.

“We’ve got young lads coming through who are showing what they can in the Premier League week in, week out so we have to do that at international level and hopefully we’ll be ready for the Euros.

“In two years’ time we’ve got to be confident we can do well in that tournament.”

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