Everton boss Roberto Martinez has admitted that Ross Barkley is not fully fit, but believes that he will continue to impress as the season progresses.
The midfielder, 20, has won three senior England caps thanks to some strong performances, but suffered a fracture of the small toe in the FA Cup win against Queens Park Rangers in January.
Despite not being "100% in terms of match fitness", Barkley is in the Everton squad for the match against Crystal Palace, and Martinez says that he will be ready for England's friendly against Denmark on March 5.
"Ross will be up to speed by then. He is not 100% in terms of match fitness and sharpness on the ball," Martinez told The Express.
"But I think England will get a player that is refreshed and will finish the season really strong. It won't affect him at all. He is growing from a mental point of view.
"He is understanding his body, starting to cope with the physicality of the league and I think that will help him. When you play and nothing goes against you, you don't learn that much."
Barkley has been with the Toffees since 2005.
Gary Peters
