Brazil can wait – Gareth Barry is focused on impressing at Everton first and foremost.
The 32-year-old midfielder joined the Blues on a season-long loan from Manchester City amidst a busy end to the transfer window and was introduced to the media as an Everton player at Finch Farm on Tuesday afternoon.
With the training ground car park deserted as a result of the international break, Barry is yet to meet the majority of his new teammates as they chase World Cup qualification with their respective nations.
Having earned 53 senior caps dating back to a debut in 2000, Barry still harbours hope of joining up with the Three Lions en route to Brazil but the former Aston Villa man insists he is solely focused on making his mark at Goodison Park ahead of any Samba dreams.
“It’s something that it’s in the background at the minute really,” he explained.
“I’ve not been involved in an England squad for a year now, so my initial targets are to play well for Everton.
“It would be a big bonus if an England call came on the back of it – that would be a bonus for Everton too because it would mean we would be playing well.”