Ross Barkley says swapping Everton for Chelsea was the making of him.

The Blues midfielder is floating after his brace in England's win in Montenegro.

He explained: “I am away from my family and down in London by myself. I am in a totally different environment from Liverpool. I miss being with my family, it is totally different. It is how I am maturing as a person and a player. It is good."

Did he think he needed the change?

“Yes, exactly," he declared.“Since I made the move it was good to challenge myself and win trophies and to improve as a player. I've changed compared to when I was 18, 19 or 20. My diet is much ­better. My ­approach to games is much better and I am going into them with the right ­preparation and I am more ­relaxed, rather than think about things too much.

“I will keep working hard and it will come."