Everton are reluctant for Ross Barkley to play for England in this summer's U21 Euros.

The Daily Mail says Everton are anxious about how Barkley's form has fluctuated this season and would prefer the 21-year-old to spend the close season recharging.

Barkley went to the World Cup last year and suffered a significant setback at the start of this campaign, when damaging his knee ligaments that led to him spending eight weeks on the sidelines.

The explosive nature of Barkley's game has been missing in recent months and the statistics he has been producing in games have not matched the levels of 12 months ago.

That is why Everton believe Barkley's development would be best served by him being given the opportunity to completely rest in June and July before returning refreshed for pre-season.