Racism reared its ugly head in the Euro qualifier between Bulgaria and England on Monday, which the Three Lions eventually won 6-0. England's black players, Raheem Sterling in particular, were subjected to disgusting chants from the home crowd which resulted in the referee suspending the action for several minutes.
Focusing back on the football, England and Ross Barkley were excellent. The Chelsea man put his patchy club performances to the side to prove himself a real threat with late runs from midfield.
He assisted the opening goal in simple fashion, passing down the left for Marcus Rashford to score a beauty.
He then channelled his inner number nine by scoring two goals in predatory fashion from no further than the six-yard box. The first was easily finished at the back post after some good work by Sterling, while his second was glanced home after a cross from Harry Kane.
The night will be remembered for the game stoppage due to the racist chanting. For Barkley, though, he can be very content with his outing for England.
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