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Sam Allardyce admits to difficult decision in leaving out Ross Barkley

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England manager Sam Allardyce says dropping Ross Barkley from his first squad was a touch decision, but the door is open for a return in future

Sam Allardyce has admitted leaving out Ross Barkley from his first England squad was his toughest decision.

Allardyce, who also confirmed at Monday's press conference that he would name his captain on Tuesday, left Barkley out of his 23-man squad for this weekend's 2018 World Cup qualifier in Slovakia despite the Everton midfielder having enjoyed a promising start to the season.

Ross Barkley scored one of the best opening day goals against Watford
Image: Ross Barkley has enjoyed a fine start to the season with Everton

The 22-year-old, who was an unused member of England's Euro 2016 squad, has scored twice in his first four games for Everton but that was not enough to prevent him being left out by Allardyce.

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The former Sunderland boss said: "We've had to make some very, very difficult decisions. None more so than Ross Barkley. It's disappointing for him. The door will always be open for Ross but at this moment I think the squad I've named is right.

Lessons from Allardyce's squad
Lessons from Allardyce's squad

What did we learn from Big Sam's first England squad

"We've looked at all avenues, what sort of pre-season they've had, what happened last season, this season, looked at balance of the squad."

Another player who failed to make the squad was Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford, who came on to score an injury-time winner against Hull at the weekend, and Allardyce said competitive action in the England U21s would be more valuable for the 18-year-old.

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England manager Sam Allardyce named his squad and gives Michail Antonio his first call up - youtube.com/fatv

"Having international experience in the U21s will be invaluable for us down the line and I think if he's breaking into Manchester United's team he'll be in my squad. 

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"Having a full game with Gareth (Southgate) will be invaluable to us down the line. He's only a young man, let's not put too much pressure on him. Hopefully he scores goals for the U21s and gives me a decision to make next time."

Marcus Rashford celebrates his injury time goal against Hull City
Image: Marcus Rashford celebrates his injury-time goal against Hull City

Wayne Rooney was listed as a midfielder in Allardyce's squad list on Sunday night, but he insisted Rooney's role was not cast in stone. 

Wayne Rooney celebrates scoring Manchester United's second goal
Image: Wayne Rooney has been named as a midfielder in the squad

"It's not a reflection of where I'm likely to play him. Shall we say attacking-midfielder? Or striker? I think Rooney's position has changed at Manchester United and that's where I'll be looking to play him. I may consider changing the format of the squad announcement next time, so it says no position!"

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