Antonio Conte: 'Ross Barkley can make England World Cup squad'

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has backed midfielder Ross Barkley to make England's World Cup squad next summer after arriving at the club from Everton last week.

  "We have five months to show he deserves a call with the national team for the World Cup," Conte told Sky Sports News. "I hope [he gets one], because it means he will do very well with us. "It's important for me to see him, to understand his physical condition," the Italian added when asked about a timescale for the midfielder's return to full fitness. "My hope is to have this player [available] very quickly. "He can play in midfield, if we play with three midfielders, or number 10 if we play 3-4-3. Before playing we must be sure that he is into our idea of football. Otherwise, it's a problem for him and it's a problem for the rest of the team."