EVERTON FC midfielder Ross Barkley has taken the latest step in his fledgling career by starting for England Under 21s.

Everton midfielder Barkley played 54 minutes of last night’s UEFA European U21 Championships qualifier against Norway in Oslo.

The 17-year-old made his U21s debut earlier this season in a friendly against Israel and was a late substitute in the 3-0 qualifying win over Iceland last week.

Barkley, who has broken his way into the Everton first team this campaign, has already represented his country at U16, U17 and U19 level.

Jack Rodwell missed the match as a precaution after complaining of a sore groin during training.

But it is understood the injury is not serious with the player confident of being available for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Chelsea.

Everton had initially feared Rodwell would miss the match after being controversially sent off in the 2-0 Merseyside derby defeat at home to Liverpool 10 days ago, before the dismissal was later rescinded on appeal.

And it appears referee Martin Atkinson has escaped any temporary demotion following his red-card howler, with the PGMO (Professional Game Match Officials) yesterday announcing Atkinson will be in charge of Saturday’s top-flight match between Stoke City and Fulham.