Euro 2020: Leicester star Harvey Barnes desperate for a place in England squad

Harvey Barnes is targeting a Euro 2020 call-up as the in-form Leicester attacker prepares to face Slavia Prague in the Europa League.

Barnes’s goal in the 3-1 win over Liverpool on Saturday took him to 12 in all competitions for the season. His eight in the Premier League is more than any other English midfielder.

England manager Gareth Southgate handed Barnes his international debut in October and the one-cap 23-year-old said yesterday: ‘As an English player, the European Championship has to be a motivation, to make sure you’re in the squad at the end of the season.

Harvey Barnes celebrates scoring Leicester’s third goal in their weekend win over Liverpool

Barnes pictured in training with England in October ahead of making his debut against Wales

‘Everyone can see the strength in depth and quality England have, so it’s not an easy task for anyone.

‘As long as I can keep my form as good as it has been, and keep improving for the rest of the season, hopefully I’ll give myself the best possible chance of that.

‘I’ve been happy stats-wise. Improving my goals and assists is something I identified before the start of the season.’

England manager Gareth Southgate watched Leicester’s win over Liverpool on Saturday

Southgate saw Barnes score his 12th goal of the season for Leicester to complete the 3-1 win

Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers heaped praise on Barnes. ‘He has been absolutely incredible,’ he said. ‘The great thing with Harvey is he is very coachable.

‘He is only going to get better. He is showing an intelligence in his game which we have always wanted.’

Meanwhile, defender James Justin will have reconstructive surgery today after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.