World Cup 2014: Ross Barkley is ready for anything after rapid rise

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Progress: Barkley was part of the England side competing in the Under-20 World Cup last year

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Andy Hodgson10 June 2014

Ross Barkley is ready to live out his dream in Brazil.

Less than 12 months ago, the midfielder was part of the England side competing in the Under-20 World Cup but following an impressive campaign for Everton, the 20‑year-old is now preparing for the senior tournament and cannot wait.

“That is what I dream about, playing against the best players in the world,” said Barkley, who has won six caps. “It’s every kid’s dream to be doing things like that and hopefully I will get the chance.

“I feel ready for anything. It is football, not life or death. You have to go on the pitch and get a result and focus on what you have to do on the pitch and not get distracted.

England squad hit the pool after landing in Rio - in pictures

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“The top players produce it week in and week out and they are out there every week giving the same performances, if not scoring then setting goals up, always fighting and getting results.”

Barkley has impressed in England’s warm-up games and hopes the team lay down a marker against Italy on Saturday.

“It’s very important when you go into a tournament, to set the tone in the first game,” he told Everton TV. “If we get a good result against Italy we can take confidence into the second game against Uruguay.”