Everton

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Everton and Liverpool youngsters Harrison Armstrong and Trey Nyoni have been called-up to the England under-21s squad to replace Dortmund's Jobe Bellingham and Newcastle United's Lewis Miley.

Armstrong will join Toffees team-mates Tyler Dibling and Tyrique George for his first call-up to the under-21s squad.

Nyoni, 19, has been capped by England up to under-20 level but has not played for the under-21s.

He started in the U20 Euro Elite League 2-1 victory against France on Tuesday, as Armstrong, 19, replaced the Reds' midfielder in the second half.

Lee Carsley's sideplay their final two games of European Championship qualifying campaign against Slovakia on Friday (19:45 BST) before facing the Republic of Ireland 6 October (18:00 BST).

After a successful spell at Hill Dickinson Stadium last season, Jack Grealish was a welcomed back with open arms by Everton fans.

Although the 31-year-old sustained a season-ending foot injury in January 2025, Grealish's eight-goal involvements proved to be valuable to David Moyes' side.

As a dark cloud hung over the Toffees for their lack of action in the summer transfer window, Grealish was a shining light as he returned once again.

In the five Premier League games which all 20 teams have played this season, the former Aston Villa midfielder has created the most chances (four) of any player.

Grealish has featured in four games for the Toffees this season, but before returning to the Merseyside club he played for Enzo Maresca's Manchester City in their Premier League game against Bournemouth.

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

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Everton legend Tim Cahill revealed his discussions with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall featured chat about how to score goals, as the pair picked up new qualifications through the Professional Footballers' Association.

Former midfielder Cahill and Dewsbury-Hall graduated from a course in Global Football Sport Directorship with the PFA Business School at a ceremony at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.

Asked what the pair had been speaking about, the Australian, who now works in Qatari football, said: "We had a chat about adding more goals to his game.

"He asked me a few questions and one of the things I said was that the only way you score goals is by getting into the box. We spoke about my relationship with Bainesy [Leighton Baines], Tony Hibbert, Mikel Arteta and Steven Pienaar.

"Those players knew where I would be and understood my movements. They knew I would be in the box. We talked about his game, Everton supporters and what the club means. He's a really good lad who understands the club and has needed the opportunity to showcase his abilities, which he is doing now."

Dewsbury-Hall got eight goals in 31 games during his maiden Premier League campaign at Hill Dickinson Stadium and has since scored once in five matches this season.

Meanwhile, Cahill scored 56 goals on Merseyside to rank among the club's top four scorers during the Premier League era.

Cahill was also impressed with Dewsbury-Hall's personality and believes he can emerge as a leader for the club.

"I know he's going to score more goals and become a leader on the pitch," he added.

"I told him that captains don't always have to wear an armband. We had many captains in the Everton team I played in. He can grow into that role and support the leaders around him."

Football finance expert Kieran Magiure, has been answering your questions after Manchester City were found guilty of all charges related to breaches of financial rules.

Gary: Is there any chance this could be resolved by the end of the season?

Kieran: There is a very high chance it will be resolved by the end of the season. Because if it is not, we could end up in another situation very similar to that of Burnley and Everton where a club could be relegated and Manchester City are not given a deduction. And next season, a club that finished in 18th could say had that deduction been applied earlier, we wouldn't have been relegated. So that would add to the complications.

Certainly looking at the Premier League's press release itself, it does seem that it is very keen to resolve it as quickly as possible. If you take a look at the length of time that it took the commissions in respect to Nottingham Forest and Everton, once they have heard the evidence, applying the sanctions is the quickest part. It's listening to evidence that is the torturous process.

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Dappy: Based on everything you read, what is the most likely punishment going to be for Manchester City?

Kieran: I agree that it could be a very hefty points deduction and a transfer embargo at the very least. On top of that, I believe there will be a very significant financial penalty added into the equation. The logic behind having a transfer embargo is that it then becomes a multi-season issue.

If we go back to 2013 when City were in breach of Uefa rules, they had a transfer ban, wage and squad caps, it did impact the club in the subsequent season.

Rehan: If Manchester City get a huge fine, what would the FA do with that money? Where would it go?

Kieran: It would be shared by the Premier League clubs, including Manchester City. And it will be offset against the league's legal bill. Discussions with lawyers suggest they think City could be liable for about two-thirds to three-quarters of Premier League's legal costs, which is estimated to be in the region of £50-60m.

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In the final part of Wednesday's Everton Q&A, BBC Radio Merseyside's Giulia Bould addresses the return of Merlin Rohl and Christian Norgaard, and a decision to be made before the Premier League game against Hull City after the international break.

Kieran asked: Are Rohl and Norgaard anywhere close to returning from injury and coming back to training?

Giulia: There was huge excitement when Christian Norgaard joined from Arsenal in the summer.

He was part of the title-winning side, albeit he only featured seven times in the Premier League, but he also gained a wealth of experience from his time at Brentford and as a Denmark international.

The club have not revealed the specifics on the injury that has kept the midfielder from making his Everton debut.

The problem has clearly been a bigger set-back than anyone anticipated, and earlier this month David Moyes said: "I don't think we expected his recovery to take this long when we signed him. We are looking forward to gaining his experience, but we haven't even had him on the grass yet. It is disappointing, for us and for him, but hopefully it won't be too long."

I understand the aim was always to integrate Norgaard into training after this international break, and he has now been pictured in a group session. This is the same with Merlin Rohl.

After a promising start to the season where the German under-21 international was used at right-back, he ended up in the treatment room. I have been told he's remained at Finch Farm training ground during the break to continue to work on his fitness with, again, the aim for him to return to the group when the Premier League restarts.

It is also interesting that the player himself has been publicly stating he sees himself as a full-back going forward and, given the midfield is the only area where Everton do have a choice of players, it will be music to the manager's ears that he has two options on the right of defence with Rohl and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

The final point on both Norgaard and Rohl is that it's unusual for a player who has been out for an extended period to be unlikely to go straight into a starting line-up, so I don't see either in action against Hull and expect Moyes to give a clearer update next week in his news conference.

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Ollie asked: Who should start at right-wing vs Hull City? Assuming Jack Grealish is locked in at left-wing, you have Brennan Johnson, Tyrique George and Tyler Dibling left as options. For me, George has to start, Dibling is the bench option and Johnson serves at back-up to Thierno Barry up top.

Giulia: I wouldn't assume Jack Grealish will be locked in, to be honest. Tyrique George has more than proved himself, plus he has a goal already.

However, Grealish brings that experience and winning mentality that Moyes rates highly.

The midfield is where it gets interesting at Everton as there are options. Your line-up there, Ollie, would be strong, and I agree for Hull it could be Grealish on the left and George on the right, as that was used in the last 25 minutes or so against Manchester United.

Brennan Johnson has been used at right wing too and has a case to start. This is where Moyes will enjoy the competition for places as no one is safe - even Grealish.

The manager told me what he sees the role to be, explaining: "He can give us the ability to retain possession, he gets us up the pitch."

Moyes added: "I say to all the forward players, I am looking for assists, I am looking for goals. I need them to help us."

That, for me, is a clue that the wingers who are hitting those targets in training and in matches will be the ones who see their names on the team sheet on the right and left wings.

Listen to Total Sport Merseyside from 18:00 on weeknights and find details here of live Everton match commentaries on BBC Radio Merseyside

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In the second of a special three-part Everton Q&A, BBC Radio Merseyside's Giulia Bould looks at David Moyes' contract and Tyler Dibling's role in the squad.

Rashid asked: Should Everton fans be worried about Moyes' contract situation? If no announcement is made soon, could the uncertainty affect team performance?

Giulia: It is a strange one and I think this is linked to the owners, The Friedkin Group, looking for investment. Right now, it is unclear what the plan is longer term - including inside the club.

It is all leading to a situation where it is unclear what will happen with Moyes' contract.

Given the size of the squad and headlines around the ownership, I don't feel there is a better manager to keep everyone together.

Moyes knows the club inside out and, perhaps most importantly, understands the ethos. Moyes also stood up against the owners when a bid for Harrison Armstrong was accepted, making it clear he wouldn't leave him behind for the trip to Bournemouth, despite The Friedkin Group agreeing the midfielder could have a medical the following day at Nottingham Forest.

Interestingly, when Moyes led the Toffees to their highest Premier League finish of fourth place in the 2004-05 season, he had just 21 players in his squad. He has the same number now and will know how to get the best out of each one.

He insists he is happy with the situation right now with his contract, but you wonder if he feels let down given he returned to keep the Toffees up and is overseeing a huge rebuild. As he told the media during the Armstrong episode: "The manager is an Evertonian."

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Andy asked: This season seems to have proven Moyes' patience with Dibling has paid off, but do you think his "experience over excitement" approach holds this young, upcoming team back a little bit?

Giulia: The Dibling situation has been more complex than just his age. The pressure of arriving for a deal worth up to £40m was massive.

He took time to settle, and the manager was open about how he didn't see the levels he expected from him in training.

Dibling was also behind Iliman Ndiaye, who was being used on the right wing. Would he have been better than the Senegalese? Unlikely, in my view.

Tyrique George and Armstrong were pushing their way into the manager's thinking in the second half of last season, so Moyes was open to using the younger members of the squad.

They are both now starting games, so have clearly shown Moyes they are able to hit the levels he expects.

I think Dibling himself has seen this and assistant manager Alan Irvine has told me the 20-year-old came back "different" after the summer break.

His Everton career has started to click now and it is clear his work-rate is impressing.

Come back to this page later on Wednesday for the final part of the Q&A, which will focus on the return of Merlin Rohl and Christian Norgaard, and who should start at right wing against Hull City.

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We asked you to send in your Everton questions for BBC Radio Merseyside's Giulia Bould to answer. In the first of a three-part Q&A, she addresses continued interest in Folarin Balogun and whether manager David Moyes has a sufficient transfer budget in January.

Daniel asked: Is it possible Everton will go back in for Folarin Balogun in January? They definitely need back-up for Thierno Barry.

Giulia: It is highly unlikely. The player failing a medical and then leaving after the deal sheet was submitted on deadline day would be enough for the Toffees to drop any idea of the USA striker returning in January.

I expect the hierarchy to already be looking elsewhere as it is very clear having just one striker will cause problems if cup runs are also a target.

One option right now is Charly Alcaraz. He popped up with the winner against Wolves in the Carabao Cup after being on for just three minutes.

The 23-year-old has struggled for match minutes but is happy to play where needed when he gets a chance. He prefers the number 10 role but has the ability to push further forward. "We have thought about it," Moyes said when I asked if Alcaraz could be deployed up front.

"It is something we always thought he had, and we thought he had a goal in him. We need goals and we need people who can score. On that night, we needed Charly."

Moyes has also told me that, because he expected another striker this summer, they didn't have time to try out other squad members in the role, but I expect this to be happening behind closed doors during this international break.

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Matt asked: Is there a transfer budget available for Moyes in January or will there be constraints that mean that window will be quiet?

Giulia: Clubs don't advertise transfer budgets because it would be bad business revealing what you have available.

Given the manager has been very clear that he believes Everton are a couple of players short of having the size of squad he would see as optimum, I expect the club will be in the market in January.

A stumbling block is that this is a tough window to operate in, so be mindful that it can be hard to find top-quality players available and at a decent price in January.

I wouldn't anticipate a flurry of activity, but with only Jack Grealish on loan there are four spots available, so I feel the loan market will be utilised - like when Everton brought in Tyrique George last January.

Come back to this page later on Wednesday for part two of the Q&A, which will focus on Moyes' contract and Tyler Dibling.

Listen to Total Sport Merseyside from 18:00 on weeknights and find details here of live Everton match commentaries on BBC Radio Merseyside

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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The Premier League has opened a Pandora's box of problems which cannot be closed. However well-intentioned, however morally upright they mean to be, the way the product is perceived around the planet by fans will be negatively affected.

This looks like a gigantic mess, but could also become a bit of a joke, especially if they attempt to rewrite history, and change the winners' names on the Premier League and cup trophies over these past 15 years. I wouldn't want the engraver's job.

I believe financial rules brought in to prioritise financial sustainability were also aimed at limiting the money being spent by the clubs, especially the staggering, ever-inflating sums spent on sometimes fairly average players. It could lead to a de facto salary cap, which many fans would approve of.

The long-term problem for the league is easy to see here: if the top players are then offered significantly more money to play elsewhere, they will be off before you can say 'man on'.

I always thought the Premier League had taken a huge risk going down this regulatory road. As with Manchester City's future, nobody knows what the real long-term ramifications will be.

I have a suspicion it could end up being the greatest own goal in the sport's entire history.

The big take: If City are cast out of England's top leagues, what might the owners do – hang around the lower reaches, or find something else? Wasn't there the idea of a Super League? Keep that thought in the back of your mind.

Pat Nevin writes weekly in the Football Extra newsletter. If you're outside the UK and would like to receive it, sign up here.

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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Most of the time it is not that big a deal if you go into the international break having just lost a club game if I am honest, as teams lose games frequently.

That is just the life of a professional footballer. You have to be able to cope with disappointment as an individual and as a team.

‌Admittedly, players will sometimes say that they want another domestic game quickly, but it is almost always specifically after a 'bad' defeat as opposed to just a run-of-the-mill loss.

‌However, if the team has genuinely played terribly, or lost a game they were expected to win comfortably, you will commonly hear the phrase "we want to have a chance to get back out there and put it right quickly".

‌Players who have had a stinker, even if their team won, might also want to get out again as soon as possible to put it right in front of their fans, or 'reset'. The 'reset' argument is just current football jargon to say, "we will try to get it right next time, and we blew it this week, sorry".

‌The international break can also have the beneficial effect of taking your mind away from a bad defeat. This is not to say that you don't care, it is just that you must compartmentalise your thoughts and feelings. Footballers are among the best at this.

‌You simply cannot go to play for your national team and spend the time brooding about what happened against Brentford last week. That way lies madness and another poor performance, only this time in front of the entire nation.

Pat Nevin writes weekly in the Football Extra newsletter. If you're outside the UK and would like to receive it, sign up here.

German club Bayern Munich have played down the prospect of signing Everton and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, 32. (TeamTalk), external

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The BBC Radio Merseyside team have considered Everton's campaign so far in the latest edition of Toffees Unwrapped.

There's also debate on Jordan Pickford and a look back on a charitable - mostly - weekend at Goodison Park.

In a game hosted at the Grand Old Lady, a Merseyside XI faced a World XI to raise funds for homelessness.

Footballing legends Rivaldo and Clarence Seedorf went up against the likes of former Blues Tim Cahill, Phil Jagielka and Yakubu, and the Merseyside XI prevailed 3-2.

However, there was some drama on the touchline, with Peter Reid and Yakubu getting into an argument.

BBC Radio Merseyside's Giulia Bould said: "I thought Tony Bellew was going to wade in! Shoutout to Louis Saha - his peace talks to calm the situation down were award-winning."

Watch a clip below for more on the altercation, and listen to the full edition above or on on BBC Sounds here

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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Unbelievably, sensible and well-informed people are seriously discussing Manchester City getting a huge points deduction or being demoted or kicked out of the English leagues completely.

‌There is also reasonable talk about them being sued by just about every other major club in the domestic game, and a few beyond that. That is before you get to the concept of titles being stripped and trophies retrospectively re-awarded to others.

There is still an appeal to be heard, but they have been found guilty already. Serious consequences must be considered. Following the draconian punishments handed to Everton and Nottingham Forest, among others, City might find they don't just have the book thrown at them, it is the entire British Library lobbed in their general direction.

Those other clubs cooperated in the process. City have faced more charges and they involve larger sums and over a longer time period. In short, things are not looking good for the club that dominated English football for almost a decade.

This may be the biggest story in the Premier League's history and it is going to run and run.

Other serious considerations will follow hard on the heels of the Blues' dilemmas – specifically what long-term effects will this have on the Premier League? They will not all be good ones.

Some reasonably argue that the financial rules City have been found to have broken shouldn't have been put there in the first place. They were brought in to safeguard the financial security of the clubs and the league, but try telling that to many City, Everton and Nottingham Forest fans just now.

Newcastle and Aston Villa have plenty of financial backing, but these rules have hurt their ability to grow and stay competitive with the legacy clubs. This all feels unfair if you are a supporter of those two.

The money that will now be frittered away by the English game on lawyers and legal fees is eye-watering, and it will grow exponentially as the litigation increases.

Pat Nevin writes weekly in the Football Extra newsletter. If you're outside the UK and would like to receive it, sign up here.

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

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Everton's unbeaten start to the Premier League season and progress in the Carabao Cup has prompted a minor outbreak of something rarely felt among their fanbase in recent times - optimism.

Guarded optimism, understandably, but the mood has shifted somewhat since the fury that followed a badly botched transfer window, typified by a shambolic final day that left manager David Moyes with only 18 senior outfield players.

Since the turn of the century, Everton are the only club in English football's current top four tiers who have not won a trophy - their last being the 1995 FA Cup triumph against Manchester United at the old Wembley - or been promoted.

So is supporting Everton a life of unrelenting sporting misery? Or is there still joy and celebration to be had following of one the grand old English football institutions?

Former player Leon Osman, who made 433 appearances for Everton between 2003 and 2016, scoring 58 goals, says: "Yes, there have been disappointments and those years without trophies, but let me tell you this - I wouldn't swap being an Evertonian for anything in the world."

Read more from Phil on Everton and optimism

BBC Radio Merseyside have continued their series on an 'A to Z of club legends at Everton.

The BBC Sounds series hears from fans, the Radio Merseyside team and key interviews on how significant figures shaped the club.

For Everton's letter 'M', Paul Salt, Ian Kennedy and Mike Hughes focus on the adoration for Duncan McKenzie, Derek Mountfield's FA Cup heroics and "one of the best" goalkeepers to grace the turf at Goodison Park, Nigel Martyn.

Hit play below to hear the first episode in full or listen on BBC Sounds here

Newcastle United are keeping an eye on Rennes and Morocco defender Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, 20, but face competition from Everton, Brentford and Hull. (Teamtalk), external

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Everton have got off to a strong start in the 2026-27 Premier League campaign, picking up nine points from the opening five games.

It's a return that has left them sitting in seventh, but level on points with Brentford in fourth, for the three-week international break.

So what questions do you have about the Toffees? They could be on the squad, injury concerns, David Moyes' tactics, the boardroom or a topic of your choice.

BBC Radio Merseyside reporter Giulia Bould will be on hand to answer a selection next week.

Get in touch with your question here

Listen to Total Sport Merseyside from 18:00 on weeknights and find details here of live Everton match commentaries on BBC Radio Merseyside

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Former Everton midfielder Tim Cahill has been reminiscing about his days at Goodison Park with BBC Radio Merseyside.

The Australian talked about learning to expect different approaches from different team-mates - such as Mikel Arteta and Leighton Baines.

He also explained how much he used analysis, as well as spending extra time with the coaches, in order to get the most out of his game.

Cahill said: "I think understanding the game for me - I was heavily into analysis and finishing after training with Steve Round, Alan Irvine and working with the offensive players. We did the exact same with defending set-plays.

"When you talk about this understanding, it's always about respecting your trade and what you do.

"So I'd always look at the back four and find the weakness, but at the same time say to players: 'Just give me three crosses at least in a game.' If I got three, then hopefully I'd get one [goal]."

Watch a clip of Cahill's interview above or listen in full on BBC Sounds here

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We asked for your views on Everton's start to the season and about what David Moyes should be focusing on during the extended international break.

Here are some of your comments:

Simon: 7/10. Transfer window was obviously a car crash but really positive signs from Hayden Hackney and Tyler Dibling in particular means we are feeling positive. Most Evertonians are waiting for that to turn somehow, but if we can keep Jarrad Branthwaite fit especially, I think we have good times ahead. Standout moment so far was that debut goal for Ainsley Maitland-Niles!

Cian: Obviously we've clearly had a poor transfer window but we're actually getting decent results. We have had easy games, though, so I'll give us a six so far. Maybe that's a bit harsh, though.

Keith: Despite the transfer window fiasco, we've made a pretty good start to the season. There is always more to be done but, hopefully, the players and manager can keep it going on the upwards trajectory. Losing Iliman Ndiaye and Beto is a big loss so Dibling needs to step up, but I'm pleased Jack Grealish is back.

Tony: Solid start. This might be a small squad but there is back up in most positions. Less vulnerable than last season. There is a familiar ring to our results. I recall the last time we made Champions League qualifiers way back in 2005 - tight defence and ability to score when needed. Hold tight, it's going to be bumpy but we could be on the verge of something. Let's get behind them all and hope for the best.

Ruben: Moyes is doing a great job. He is the best thing that has happened to us in a long while. Thierno Barry is looking much better and I reckon Brennan Johnson will click soon. Tyrique George is a great prospect and if we start getting a few more goals then this could be our season.

Magnus: Cautiously optimistic. The three clean sheets and unbeaten start should help build confidence and resilience. The lack of a consistent goalscorer, however, remains our biggest problem.

Steve: Getting back to being one of the top teams after 40 years will probably take more time and patience than most people can tolerate. Look how long it's taken teams like Brentford and Brighton to get where they are. Let's all help by trying to play the long game because the seeds of success are definitely there. COYB!

As we enter the season's first international break, we want to hear your thoughts on the opening five games of the Premier League.

After an underwhelming summer transfer window, perhaps some fans will still be restless with the club's hierarchy. On the pitch though, David Moyes has made the most of his squad as the Toffees have made a strong start to the season.

His side are unbeaten in their first five league games, with two wins and three draws, and progress has been made in the Carabao Cup. If Everton do go on a cup run, though, it might test one of the league's smaller squads.

How do you rate the Toffees' start to the season and why? And what should Moyes be focusing on during the extended break?

Get in touch with your views here

Giulia Bould
BBC Radio Merseyside reporter

Tim Cahill has suggested Everton fans should not be concerned about the owners' lack of visibility and that supporters "have to be careful what you wish for".

However the former midfielder's comments are unlikely to do much to ease the concerns of many.

Most understood The Friedkin Group needed time to unpick the tangled financial web left behind by the Farhad Moshiri era.

The early business deals, such as consolidating the club's high-interest debt and replacing it with a long-term financing deal with JPMorgan Chase, felt a healthy step forward.

But it is the summer transfer window that has left fans questioning if they really are the owners to return the Toffees to a side capable of fighting it out for trophies and titles.

At the end of 2024, chairman and chief executive officer of the group Dan Friedkin released a statement that read: "I take immense pride in welcoming one of England's most historic football clubs to our global family... Everton represents a proud legacy and we are honoured to become custodians of this great institution."

However, it was these custodians who thought it would be good business to sell Harrison Armstrong to Nottingham Forest.

They seemingly failed to see the value and legacy in a talented 19-year-old Scouser who had come up through the club's academy.

Friedkin called the deal off himself after fans voiced their anger during the 1-1 draw at Bournemouth.

But Cahill believes actions behind the scenes are more important than words in public.

He told me: "I think you have to be careful what you wish for. You don't hear from them, but what does that mean?

"Do you want a phone call to make sure everything is OK or do you want a beautiful stadium with a great running business?"

But why can't it be both? Do Everton fans not deserve to hear from the people making the decisions about their beloved club - and an apology for almost selling a midfielder most believe is a future club captain?

Coupled with claims The Friedkin Group are ready to sell, making a large profit in the process, it hasn't taken long for the relationship to sour somewhat.

The lack of communication and bargain deals, leaving David Moyes with a squad of just 21 players, means the honeymoon period is now over.

Listen to the part of the interview by hitting the play button at the top or listen to the full thing on BBC Sounds

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Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has credited a summer of rehabilitation in Germany for the injury-free form that helped him earn an England recall.

The 24-year-old played just 10 times for the Toffees last season and spent part of the summer in Germany to "assess different things".

Branthwaite has started all five of Everton's Premier League games this season and is back in Thomas Tuchel's squad as he looks to add to the one cap he won in 2024.

"I sat down with the club after the three or four times where I was picking up the injuries," he explained.

"It was to look at the wider picture, look at the holistic approach of the body, essentially.

"I went over there [Germany] for three or four weeks, working with a team alongside the club, just to assess different things, and hopefully that has helped.

"There were a lot of different things looked at, like movement patterns, the brain. It was quite complex, but fingers crossed it has worked.

"It is probably the worst thing as a footballer not to be on the pitch, and when it keeps happening it is mentally tough because you are sort of doubting your body and going on the pitch wary of what is going to happen.

"I think now I am in a position where I got managed throughout the pre-season, managed my load well and hopefully I can stay on the pitch."

Despite struggling with injury, Branthwaite said in February that he hoped to make a final push for the World Cup squad.

That did not materialise, but he has begun this season well and has helped Everton to an unbeaten start to this Premier League campaign.

"Being out for such a long time with injury didn't help - missing three or four of the camps and missing a lot of football," he added.

"My aim is to stay injury-free and play as many games as I can and keep giving myself the best possible chance to be in the squad.

"I've not spoken to him [Tuchel] recently. When we get there we'll have a chat. I can't wait to join up with the squad and enjoy the couple of weeks.

"I believe I am good enough to be in the England squad, so hopefully I can show that."

Thierno Barry has been the surprise hit of Everton's season so far, with the 23-year-old striker the match-winner against Ipswich to take his tally to five goals this season.

It is a marked improvement in scoring ratio from his eight goals in 41 games last season - and BBC Sport Merseyside commenter Chris Coughlin believes Barry is becoming a favourite with fans.

Speaking on Toffees Unwrapped, he said: "There are things to improve, such as the hold-up play, that frustrates me.

"But he is much more aware around the box and there is a greater understanding. He already has five goals.

"It has been a really positive start to the season for Barry.

"When you are maybe trying to earn back the trust of Evertonians, moments like Saturday's improvised finish can go a long way.

"Getting on the scoresheet and getting three points helps build that rapport with the fans.

"There is less anger when he misses opportunities and I sense more smiling."

Listen to the round-up show by hitting play above or on BBC Sounds here.

And hear the full Barry analysis below...