The England coach spent Wednesday at the Toffees’ Finch Farm base to watch a training session and then held what were said to be “positive” talks with the midfielder.
It follows a difficult period off the pitch for Barkley when he let slip his frustration at his lack of England playing time, remains locked in a contract stalemate, and earlier this month was the victim of an assault in a city centre bar.
As a consequence of the incident Barkley was dragged through the centre of a storm after an insulting newspaper column escalated into a club ban for the publication involved.
Gareth Southgate, who spoke with several players according to Everton manager Ronald Koeman, is believed to have been keen to check on Barkley and stressed he will get his opportunities on the international stage if his excellent club form continues.
“He came and saw some players,” said Koeman. “He saw a training session and spoke to several players. It is really good to have the national coach in and have a good relationship with him.”
Barkley, 24, has 15 months to run on his current Everton deal and has been told by his manager to sign the club’s new offer – thought to be £100,000-a-week – or be sold this summer.
Uncertainty over his future is understood to have contributed to frustration over a stalling international career with his last match for England coming in May 2016.
After a seventh consecutive international call-up without playing, Barkley pointed out the damning statistic on social media highlighting his limited opportunities for England.
The midfielder has a chance to impress Southgate tomorrow when Everton tackle champions-elect Chelsea at their Goodison Park stronghold, a venue where have they lost just one match, the Merseyside derby, all season.
And Koeman insisted his side would delight in breathing fresh life into the title race after being blitzed 5-0 by Antonio Conte’s men at Stamford Bridge earlier this season.
“We want to win this match for our fans, for ourselves and if that means the title race is more open – that’s nice for the Premier League,” said Koeman.
“This weekend can be really decisive in the title race and it is not done yet.
“We have had only one game this season when we had no chance and that was the Chelsea game.
“But we expect them to give so much more [to deal with] for this game. Maybe with three points on Sunday we have chances for sixth of fifth position in the table.
“Our last game of the season is Arsenal away and still we have the possibility to catch them.”
