England boss Gareth Southgate held crisis talks with Everton midfielder Ross Barkley after seventh consecutive Three Lions snub

GARETH SOUTHGATE has held crisis talks with Ross Barkley over his stuttering England career.

The Everton attacker, 23, did not play  against Germany or in the World Cup qualifying win over  Lithuania.

His frustration  surfaced on Sunday night when he “liked” a tweet from social media site Squawka.

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It publicised how he had not played a single minute for England in their last seven games.

Southgate, who left Barkley out of his squad for the November  internationals, said: “I had a good chat with Ross on Saturday because he will be a bit frustrated not to get on.

“He’s earned his recall to the squad because he’s been playing well with Everton.

“I needed to explain why I hadn’t put him into the game against Germany.

“When I played that  system in Germany, the three forwards needed to be runners.

“Against Lithuania, I felt it might have been a good one for him to come into but, the way it played out, unfortunately we couldn’t get him on the pitch.”

Barkley has not made an appearance for his country since the friendly with Australia in May 2016.

He has been in  sparkling form for his club — but that still did not convince Southgate.

England’s manager added: “We like him, he’s a talented player and he’s got to keep playing well.

“It’s the first time I’ve had the chance to work with him since the Under-21s, so it was good for him to get a feel for how we operate.

“He’s just got to keep doing well with Everton. He is a player that can make things happen.”