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Ross Barkley hopes that England can set the tone for a successful World Cup by producing an impressive display in their opening game against Italy on Saturday.
The Everton midfielder has impressed in the recent friendly internationals against Peru, Ecuador and Honduras and could force his way into Roy Hodgson'steam for the crunch game in Manaus.
The 20-year-old shone for Roberto Martinez's Everton side last season and has continued his rich vein of form on the international stage.
Barkley is keen to show what he can do in Brazil, saying: "That is what I dream about, playing against the best players in the world.
"It's every kid's dream to be doing things like that and hopefully I will get the chance. I feel ready for anything. It is football, not life or death. You have to go on the pitch and get a result and focus on what you have to do on the pitch and not get distracted.
"It's very important when you go into a tournament, to set the tone in the first game. With all the big-name players it's going to be a big test playing against Uruguay but if we get a good result against Italy we can take confidence into the second game.
"We need to be positive throughout the group stage."
Barkley, who has enjoyed loan spells with Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United in the last two years, has scored six goals in 47 Premier League appearances for Everton.
He made his England debut in January 2025 against Moldova and now has six international appearances to his name.
England can be backed at12.00to get their World Cup campaign off to a fine start by beating Italy 2-0, while a 1-1 draw is available at5.50.
England are2.25to be eliminated from the tournament at the group stage and at4.50to be knocked out in the quarter-finals.
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