Ross Barkley was given a late cameo for England on Friday night in their surprise defeat to Czech Republic – and some Chelsea fans did give him credit for his performance.
The Blues midfielder replaced club teammate Mason Mount in the 72nd minute to try help Gareth Southgate’s side find a winner, but ultimately they ended up losing 2-1.
England opened the scoring with Harry Kane’s penalty after just five minutes in the European Championship group stage qualifier.
But Jakub Brabec drew hosts Czech Republic level shortly after from a set-piece and they looked the more organised side for large stages of the contest.
Zdenek Ondrasek was the hero with an 85th minute winner and it ended England’s 43-game unbeaten streak in qualifier that goes back 10 years.
A selection of Chelsea supporters on social media at least feel that Barkley was a positive in a poor England performance.
The 25-year-old looked to make things happen going forward when he entered the pitch and put some dangerous crosses into the penalty area.
He also played a delightful through ball past the Czech Republic defence and striker Kane was unable to make the most of it.
Barkley looked dangerous on the ball unlike so many of his lacklustre teammates and has surely given himself a great chance of playing away to Bulgaria on Monday.
The 25-year-old attacking midfielder has not been a regular in Frank Lampard’s team at Stamford Bridge this season, but does have a new-look confidence about him when he puts an England shirt on.
Here are some Blues fans praising Barkley:
Barkley’s been on fire since he came on!!!
— Carl Jackson (@jacko_cfc) October 11, 2019
Barkley 😱😱😱 what a pass
— Trippy (@TrippyCFC) October 11, 2019
Sick pass from Barkley but the PL Top goal scorer would have finished it🤷♂️
— Richard🥶💙 (@CFCRichy) October 11, 2019
Ross Barkley has been England’s best player…
— JF5 (@ChelseaJF5) October 11, 2019
Someone explain to men how Barkley can become such a different player at Chelsea vs when it is preseason or when he plays for England.
— Shinra (@RickyDLaw) October 11, 2019
Ross Barkley > De Bruyne ….don’t @ me
— ChelseaFc (@Chelsea29641562) October 11, 2019
Ross Barkley Created more big chances in 13 minutes than Mason Mount did in 72 minutes
— Jamie (@CFCJamiee) October 11, 2019
Why can’t Barkley play like this for Chelsea loool
— Conz (@CxnzieCFC) October 11, 2019