Conte backs Barkley for England World Cup role

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte wants to help new signing Ross Barkley claim a place in England’s World Cup squad even though he has not played since May due to a hamstring injury.

Barkley signed for Chelsea from Everton on Friday for a cut-price fee in the region of £15 million ($20 million, 17 million euros) as his Toffees contract was due to expire this summer.

Conte does not know when the 24-year-old — who needed surgery — will return, but Chelsea’s Italian manager hopes the midfielder can make Gareth Southgate’s Russia 2018 squad.

“We have five months to show he deserves a call with the national team for the World Cup,” Conte said. “I hope (he gets one), because it means he will do very well with us.”

Barkley trained at Chelsea’s Cobham base this weekend and is due to meet with Conte for the first time on Monday.

The Blues boss is reluctant to put a timescale on when Barkley will be available before first assessing him.

“It’s important for me to see him, to understand his physical condition,” Conte added. “My hope is to have this player (available) very quickly.”

Conte spoke of Barkley’s versatility, but said it was important the Everton academy graduate understands his role tactically before he is selected.

“He can play in midfield, if we play with three midfielders, or number 10 if we play 3-4-3,” Conte added.

“Before playing we must be sure that he is into our idea of football. Otherwise it’s a problem for him and it’s a problem for the rest of the team.”