England's Ross Barkley: I don't like Wayne Rooney comparisons

Ross Barkley (left) has made nine appearances for England

Ross Barkley has dismissed "natural" comparisons with Wayne Rooney and says he should be judged on his own merits.

The Everton midfielder has been named in the England squad for Saturday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Slovenia and Tuesday's friendly with Scotland after recovering from a knee injury.

He could line up alongside captain Rooney, who is set to win his 100th cap against Slovenia at Wembley.

Barkley, 20, told BBC Sport: "I just see myself being the player I am."

Like 29-year-old Rooney, Barkley shot to prominence at Everton before breaking into the national team as a teenager.

Barkley made his England debut, aged 19, in a World Cup qualifier with Moldova in September 2013.

"It's natural for the media to compare us because we came through the Everton youth ranks and are both playing for England, but I don't like all the comparisons," said Barkley, who has won nine England caps.

"He's been really helpful. As soon as I came into the squad he came up to me and helped me settle in, and I'm thankful for it.

"Ever since I've been young I always wanted to do what Wayne did. He's going to go down as one of England's greats."

Barkley scored six goals in 34 games for Everton last season and signed a new four-year contract in July.

He started one game and made two substitute appearances during England's failed World Cup campaign in Brazil this summer, before damaging medial ligaments in August.

"It's been very frustrating, getting the injury early doors in the season," he said.

"I was looking at pushing on from the World Cup. It was a great experience for me. I wanted to push on and do better than last season."