Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has stated that England manager Roy Hodgson should consider giving Ross Barkley a start at the World Cup 2014. England were knocked out of the competition after just two matches in the group stage. This has rendered the final group match against Costa Rica as meaningless. In order to make use of this match, Hodgson is expected to name a different starting line-up and give some game time to other players in the squad. Barkley was included in the squad at the expense of Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick.
However, he has only been used as a substitute in the two defeats against Italy and Uruguay. Ferdinand believes that the Everton midfielder has justified his place in the squad and that he should get an opportunity to start a match at the World Cup. He believes that this will help the player to get experience of top-level football, which will be important as he progresses in his career. The 22-year-old is regarded as one of the finest midfielders for England as follows the future goes, but he should get the experience of such matches according to Ferdinand.
A veteran of three world cups, Ferdinand is expected to join QPR on a free transfer once the transfer window opens. “I think it’s a young squad so why not see what they’re about. I’d love to see Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain play, Barkley get a few more minutes, Lallana too and I’d like to see Luke Shaw, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling as well. There’s loads of them in the squad that would benefit from having a few minutes on the pitch. I’d love to be playing as it’s a beautiful place to play football and everyone loves it,” said Ferdinand about the opportunities for young players and the World Cup.