Experienced Italy international Andrea Pirlo has showered praise on Ross Barkley, one of the midfielders that he could face at the World Cup as England are in the same group with the Italians.

“I saw Ross Barkley play in the summer when we played Everton during a friendly in America. He made a big impression,” the Juventus midfielder told the BBC.

20 - year - old Ross Barkley, who has made four appearances for the Three Lions, was eligible to sport the Nigerian colours before pledging his international future to England.

England and Italy clash at Arena Amazônia (Manaus, Amazonas) on June 14.

Photo Credit : uefa.com