Gareth Southgate rules out picking Ross Barkley in England squad for FIFA World Cup 2018

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London, March 20: Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley's dream of being at Russia World Cup has hit a huge roadblock as Three Lions head coach Gareth Southgate has ruled out picking him for this summer's World Cup.

The English midfielder recently made a move to Chelsea in the winter window however only made one appearance. Before his move to London, the former Everton player also missed the first half of the season due to injury issues and after his Chelsea move the player now again has suffered a hamstring problem.

His recent injury now has made it clear that Barkley would struggle to get enough matches between now and the tournament and Southgate regarding the player's inclusion now suggest that he won’t be looking at the 24-year-old until after the World Cup.

"I think he’s just not been fit," Southgate said. "He went to Chelsea on the back of a long-term hamstring injury, quite a serious one, and has had only had a couple of matches really.

"He’s not available for selection now anyway, so he’s unfortunate in the way that has played out in this year in particular. But if he can get back playing and playing regularly I’m sure, post-summer, we will look again.

"It’s going to be difficult for him I think to get the number of games he needs now for the World Cup. But we know he’s a talented player."

Barkley earlier featured only in one big tournament that was in Euro 2016 under Roy Hodgson but did not play a single minute.

After the veteran manager's departure, he was not too selected under short-term manager Sam Allardyce and Southgate also has not given him a chance in the squad since his appointment.

The midfielder won the last of his 22 caps in a friendly against Australia almost two years ago, during the warm-up matches to Euro 2016.

Thus such news will surely be a major blow for the 24-year-old who hoped to be picked for Russia after leaving his boyhood club for better future and getting the new start he desired at Stamford Bridge.