Roy Hodgson: 'Ross Barkley has similar qualities to Paul Gascoigne'

England manager Roy Hodgson has claimed that Ross Barkley is similar to Paul Gascoigne, after bringing the Everton midfielder back into his squad.

Barkley is in the squad to face Slovenia and Scotland later this month, despite only recently returning to action following a knee injury.

Hodgson admits that it is a big boost to be able to pick Barkley, and he has suggested that the 20-year-old has some of the same qualities as Gascoigne, who won 57 caps for England in a 10-year international career.

"He's got great potential as an impact player," Hodgson told reporters. "He's a magnificent runner with the ball. In terms of being able to run with the ball with pace and power, you could compare him to Paul Gascoigne.

"Gascoigne was a powerful player, powerful runner with the ball, once he set off and went by people they didn't catch him. Ross Barkley is the same.

"He's a player with excellent technique and can score goals, he interprets the role behind the front player very well."

Barkley, who played at the World Cup in the summer, has appeared nine times for England since his debut against Moldova in August 2013.