World Cup

Ross Barkley: 'World Cup has been a learning experience'

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 25 June 2014

Everton midfielder Ross Barkley insists that he will look back at England's failed World Cup campaign in Brazil as a learning experience.

Everton midfielder Ross Barkley has admitted that performing in England's failed World Cup campaign has been a learning experience for him.

The 20-year-old started his first World Cup game in Brazil yesterday as the Three Lions finished their campaign with a goalless draw against Costa Rica.

Defeats to Italy and Uruguay resulted in England finishing at the bottom of Group D, but Barkley has claimed that he has learned from veterans, including Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.

"It's a big disappointment from my point of view but you've got to experience these type of things to learn," the Liverpool Echo quotes Barkley as saying.

"I'm a young lad and hearing advice from the likes of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard throughout this tournament has helped me and will help the other young lads for the future.

"I think I have benefited from it, as well as the others. Even though we didn't do well on the pitch, I thought being around all the experienced players has been good for us."

England concluded their World Cup campaign with just one point.