Ronald Koeman: 'Ross Barkley must show quality for Everton to earn England role'

Everton coach Ronald Koeman has challenged playmaker Ross Barkley to go out and make it impossible for Sam Allardyce not to select him for England duty.

Barkley was a surprise omission from Allardyce's first-ever England squad last week, but Koeman has told one of his brightest young talents to continue proving himself at club level in the Premier League in order to earn a recall.

"What he needs to do is play good football, show his qualities and show Big Sam every weekend that he needs to select the player," Koeman said during his pre-match press conference ahead of the club's clash with Sunderland.

The Toffees are undefeated after three league games this season and have picked up seven points from a possible nine.