Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley has not hit the heights for the Blues just yet in the Premier League but he improved his reputation on the international stage on Monday evening.
Barkley assisted one goal and bagged a brace himself as England ended up cruising to a 5-1 victory at Montenegro.
It was an important victory in the European Championship qualifiers and another signal of intent from England, who also defeated Czech Republic 5-0 at Wembley last Friday.
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But this time Barkley started and delivered a delightful cross into the box from a free-kick as Michael Keane headed home.
Barkley would also go on to direct Callum Hudson-Odoi’s shot into the net and tuck the ball home in the second half but it was this assist which had Arsenal legend Ian Wright and former Chelsea star Joe Cole lavishing praise on the 25-year-old during ITV’s coverage.
"It’s fantastic. It’s brilliant. The ball is so good," Wright told ITV Sport. "He’s caught them in no man’s land.
"There is nothing they can do about it. The ‘keeper can’t come for it.
"The defender’s caught underneath. It’s a fantastic goal."
Cole added: “The ball was so good from Ross Barkley who looks so comfortable in an England shirt tonight. He’s got an assist and a goal. He’s come deep and got on the ball, took it in difficult positions. He looks a real player tonight.”
Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling added goals late on as England cruised to a 5-1 victory.
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