Everton coach Ronald Koeman has challenged playmaker Ross Barkley to go out and make it impossible for Sam Allardyce not to select him for England duty.

Barkley was a surprise omission from Allardyce's first-ever England squad last week, but Koeman has told one of his brightest young talents to continue proving himself at club level in the Premier League in order to earn a recall.

"What he needs to do is play good football, show his qualities and show Big Sam every weekend that he needs to select the player," Koeman said during his pre-match press conference ahead of the club's clash with Sunderland.

The Toffees are undefeated after three league games this season and have picked up seven points from a possible nine.