Michael Owen has claimed that England manager Roy Hodgson should be considering giving a major role to Ross Barkley at this summer's World Cup.

Barkley was an unused substitute in England's win over Denmark on Wednesday, but Owen believes that the Everton midfielder's energy levels could give him an advantage over other members of the squad in Brazil.

"I'd be keen to push players like Ross Barkley, I think what we've got to make sure we have in Brazil is legs," Owen, who played at five major tournaments for England, told the Daily Star.

"It's going to be hot, some games are going to be at altitude and with matches coming thick and fast you have to be able to run.

"In this day and age maybe we haven't got as good players technically as Brazil and Spain, so we need to run as much if not more, than any other team that is better then us, and for that you need players that have got the stamina."

Barkley has won three caps at senior level for England.