Everton defender Leighton Baines has played down criticism of Ross Barkley's performances this term and said that it is understandable that the midfielder has not reached the heights of last season.

The youngster's form last season saw him propelled into England's World Cup squad, but the 21-year-old has been part of a Toffees outfit that have struggled in the Premier League.

However, left-back Baines has said that Barkley is grounded enough to treat criticism with the same level-headedness that he shows when praise comes his way.

Baines told Sky Sports News: "If you're a good young talent in England, the media will put you under a lot of pressure and that's happened to Ross. He's getting on with his football, he's a young lad and he's developing.

"He's going to have ups and downs and that's the difficult thing, because he is so young. When you're in the position that Ross is in [and] he comes on and plays well for half an hour [against Italy], I'm sure he'll get the other side of it now, where you get to built up.

"Ross is just getting on with it, he's a good lad and he wants to do well, and that'll come through in the end."

Barkley turned in an eye-catching cameo for England as they held Italy to a 1-1 draw on Tuesday evening.