Ross Barkley: 'England must set tone against Italy'

Ross Barkley has said that England must "set the tone" in their opening game of the World Cup against Italy later this week.

Roy Hodgson's men, who are also due to play Uruguay and Costa Rica in the group stage, will face the Italians in Manaus on Saturday evening.

The midfielder told ITV.com: "It's very important when you go into a tournament, to set the tone in the first game.

"You have got to start with a good result, go into the game prepared and looking to win the game.

"With all the big-name players it's going to be a big test playing against Uruguay but if we get a good result against Italy we can take confidence into the second game. We need to be positive throughout the group stage."

The Everton player is taking part in his first major tournament with England, having earned his first senior cap last September.