The Everton midfielder has caught the eye in the three warm-up games for Roy Hodgson’s men and is hoping to play some part in their opener against Italy on Saturday.
And after an impressive season in the Premier League with Roberto Martinez's side, Barkley believes he is ready to perform on the highest stage possible should he get the nod from Three Lions boss Hodgson.
Barkley in action against Honduras in Miami last weekend
"That is what I dream about, playing against the best players in the world," revealed Barkley.
"It's every kid's dream to be doing things like that and hopefully I will get the chance.
"I feel ready for anything. It is football, not life or death.
"You have to go on the pitch and get a result and focus on what you have to do on the pitch and not get distracted.
"The top players produce it week in and week out and they are out there every week giving the same performances, if not scoring then setting goals up, always fighting and getting results."
The World Cup experience is nothing new for Barkley, as less than 12 months ago he was part of the Three Lions squad in Turkey for the U20 World Cup under Peter Taylor.
He was among England’s most impressive performers at that competition too, featuring against nations such as Chile, Uruguay, Egypt and Iraq under the stewardship of Peter Taylor.
Barkley featured in the U20s World Cup in Turkey last summer
"I went to the World Cup with the U20s last summer and I learned a lot there - about the [tournament] environment and playing against the big countries," added the 20-year-old, who also won an U17s Euro winners medal with England in 2010.
"I've never been to South America, so the temperatures, preparing for games and being away from home, it will be a good learning curve for me and a great experience.
"After every tournament I feel I have learned something and I come back wanting to progress."
Barkley certainly has enough tournament experience under his belt with the England development teams from recent years to know how to handle the group stage.
And with Italy up first in Manaus, Barkley wants to see the Three Lions start on the front foot on Saturday to set a good precedent for the rest of the tournament.
"It's very important when you go into a tournament, to set the tone in the first game," he told Everton TV.
"With all the big-name players it's going to be a big test playing against Uruguay but if we get a good result against Italy we can take confidence into the second game.
"We need to be positive throughout the group stage."
