Marcos Alonso believes Chelsea teammate Ross Barkley can fill England's creative void in midfield.

Alonso was on the field for Spain in Monday night's loss to the Three Lions, in which Barkley was instrumental for the visitors third goal.

"Even at the World Cup England, despite playing well, were aware that they didn't really have that kind of player, someone in the middle who played and made others play, who used the ball," Alonso said.

"He's a great player. He showed it not just today but against Croatia (last Friday) too: he showed that he can be a great player. I hope he keeps improving and that he helps us at Chelsea to stay near the top."