Ross Barkley has said his desire to make the England squad for next year’s Euros played a big role in his decision to go to Aston Villa on loan.
The 26-year-old will spend the rest of the 2020/21 season at Villa Park as Chelsea continue to trim their squad after a summer spending spree.
The England international wasn’t a regular starter before the arrival of new signings but Kai Havertz’s addition in particular would likely have meant an even more limited role for Barkley had he stayed.
In an interview with Aston Villa, Barkley said he was often denied a regular spot in the starting line-up despite good performances.
He told Villa’s official website: “The last couple of years I’ve been stop-start, performing well and then being out of the team.
“To come here and have the chance to play and perform regularly is a big thing for me.”
Barkley sees his temporary Chelsea exit as an opportunity to impress England manager Gareth Southgate and win back his spot in the national team ahead of the Euros.
“With the Euros at the end of the season, it’s a big target for me and hopefully I can be there,” Barkley said.
“Dean Smith swayed me with the way he spoke to me, and it looks like it’s going to be an exciting season.”
Barkley still has three years left on his contract with Chelsea, having arrived from Everton in January 2018.
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