News Archive –Mar

Jagielka and Barkley play as England draw in Italy

Phil Jagielka was in the starting XI for England's friendly against Italy while Ross Barkley came off the bench 10 minutes into the second half of a 1-1 draw in Turin.

McCarthy unmoved by criticism of his international form

James McCarthy has shrugged off some sharp criticism from the likes of RTE pundit Eamon Dunphy and ex-Irish international Liam Brady, saying "it's water off a duck's back."

Junior Fan Day

Everton will celebrate their youngest generation of supporters this Saturday with the return of the popular Junior Fan Day

U19s comfortably beat LA Galaxy Academy

Everton's Under-19s played their second match in the Dallas Cup and beat LA Galaxy Academy 3-0 thanks to goals by Dowell, Ledson and Brewster.

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Why has Neville Southall been overlooked for National Hall of Fame ... again?

The Everton Heritage Society have campaigned for the Goodison legend's inclusion but he was overlooked again this year.

Everton duo feature in England U21s win

John Stones and Luke Garbutt both played the full 90 minutes as England Under-21s beat Germany in an exciting game at the Riverside Stadium.

Barkley: My best position is up front

Reflecting on what has been a difficult season personally, Ross Barkley says that "everything is a learning curve" and that he feels he can make his biggest impact as a striker.

Duffus out for 6 to 9 months

Everton U21 star Courtney Duffus will be out of action for between 6 and 9 months as he recovers from knee surgery after blowing out his ACL in training back in February.

Naismith nets in Scotland rout

Steven Naismith scored the fourth of his country's six goals as they beat Gibraltar 6-1 in Euro 2016 qualifying at Hampden Park but the Republic of Ireland needed a very late equaliser to draw with Poland.

U-19s lose Dallas Cup opener

Everton Under-19s fell to a 3-1 defeat in their opening game of the Dallas Cup on Sunday evening. Tomas AndradeÂ’s effort gave River Plate the lead at the break, before Kieran Dowell levelled with a fantastic 20-yard strike.

Dallas Cup kicks off vs River Plate

At the Dallas Cup, an Everton Under-19 squad will take on River Plate at the Cotton Bowl Stadium on the opening day of the long-running US soccer competition, Sunday 29 March, Kick off 6:30 pm CDT (12:30 am Monday BST).

Green marks Tranmere debut with brilliant goal

George Green scored a spectacular injury-time equaliser on his first appearance for Tranmere Rovers since joining them on loan.

Baines and Barkley figure in England win

Leighton Baines was the only Everton representative to start for England tonight as he was named in the team to face Lithuania for the senior side's Euro 2016 qualifier. He has since been released back to the Blues and will not be in the squad to face Italy in midweek.

Dynamo face more Uefa censure

Dynamo Kyiv have been ordered to close a part of the Olympic Stadium again, this time because of racist chants aimed at Everton players during the two team's Europa League Round of 16 second leg last week.

Martinez hopeful on Lukaku's fitness

Everton haven't ruled out the possibility that Romelu Lukaku will be fit to face Southampton when their Premier League campaign resumes on 4th April.

Pienaar to resume full training

Steven Pienaar is set to finally return to full training on Monday as he bids to make another comeback in what has been an injury-ravaged season for the 33-year-old midfielder.

Kone escapes serious injury

Scans on Arouna Kone's knee have revealed that the Ivorian suffered no serious damage during Sunday's win at QPR.

Green and Junior go out on loan

Everton academy players, George Green and Francisco Junior have been sent out on loan for the rest of the season. Green joins Tranmere Rovers while Junior will play for Port Vale.

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The stats that prove Jagielka is England's most valuable defender

Phil Kirkbride argues that Phil Jagielka's Premier League stats should make him a shoo-in to start against Lithuania.

Lennon not yet looking beyond this season

Aaron Lennon has confirmed that he and his representatives have not held any discussions with Everton regarding making his loan move from Tottenham permanent this summer.

U19 side to play in Dallas tournament

An Everton Under-19s squad will jet out to the USA on Thursday to take part in the Dallas Cup.

Lukaku links up with new agent

Romelu Lukaku has joined forces with "super-agent" Mino Raiola, who has the likes of Mario Balotelli and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in his stable.

Gibson out of Ireland qualifier

Darron Gibson has been forced to withdraw from the Republic of Ireland's Euro 2016 qualifier against Poland on Sunday because of a groin problem.

Jones gets Plymouth loan chance

Everton have sent Under-21 defender Gethin Jones on loan to Plymouth Argyle for the remainder of the season.

Club to Hold Finn McEwen Appeal Event

Family is seeking blood stem cells donors for 7 year-old Blue

Naismith pragmatic about future despite current Everton role

Steven Naismith says that he wouldn't rule out an eventual return to Rangers given how things can change in football.

Dowell signs pro contract with Everton

Academy midfielder Kieran Dowell is the latest Everton youngster to sign professional forms with the club, putting pen to paper on a two-year deal.

Barkley needs a summer break

Roberto Martinez has cast further doubt on Ross Barkley's involvement in the Under-21s European Championships with England by suggesting that the 21 year-old needs "a proper break" this coming close season.

FA unveil tougher rules on foreign players

The Football Association has revealed rules to push English clubs to unearth their own academy stars by making it harder for foreign players to secure work permits.

Lukaku joins Mirallas on the sidelines for Belgium

Updated Romelu Lukaku has pulled out of Belgium's forthcoming Euro 2016 qualifiers against Cyprus and Israel because of the hamstring injury he picked up at Loftus Road yesterday.

Strike duo to be assessed at Finch Farm

Romelu Lukaku and Arouna Kone will both undergo scans on their respective injuries that forced them off in the second half of the 2-1 win at QPR.

Martinez expresses “immense satisfaction” at Loftus Road win

Roberto Martinez has described the 2-1 win at Queens Park Rangers as perhaps the “most satisfying" in his time with Everton as Aaron Lennon's 77th-minute winner handed the Blues three vital points.

Queens Park Rangers vs Everton

The post-Europa League portion of Everton's season begins this weekend with the trip to West London where Roberto Martinez will be hoping he can lift his disappointed charges to a much-needed victory that would take them one large step closer to Premier League survival.

• Live Forum

Lennon strike secures important win at QPR

Everton took a huge step towards securing their Premier League status with a narrow, hard-fought victory over Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.

• Matchday updates and reaction
• /season/14-15/comment/reports/29608.html
• /season/14-15/comment/reports/29605.html

Goodison vandalised with anti-Martinez graffiti

The walls of Goodison Park have been defaced with crudely-sprayed graffiti calling for the dismissal of manager Roberto Martinez.

U18s win at Chelsea

Everton Under-18s recorded their second win of the end of season mini-league with a 2-0 defeat of Chelsea. James GrahamÂ’s first half header and Harry CharsleyÂ’s searing strike in the second half won it for the Blues.

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Baines is playing in the wrong position

A player of Baines's intelligence and ability is capable of influencing the game in ways that he can't by playing on the left side of defence. To fulfil his personal potential, and that of the team, he needs to be brought into the middle.

Martinez rejects Alcaraz criticism

Roberto Martinez insists making Antolin Alcaraz a scapegoat for Everton’s Europa League exit is “unfair”, offering a passionate defence of his under-fire centre-half following Thursday night’s 5-2 thrashing at the hands of Dynamo Kiev.

Everton's Euro dream extinguished in Kyiv

Everton joined the ranks of chastened Premier League sides to fail to reach the quarter finals of European competition as they were thumped 5-2 by Dynamo Kyiv amid a catalogue of defensive errors.

• Matchday updates and reaction

Elsewhere On The Web

Pat van den Hauwe: Not Happy

A frank interview with one of the heroes of the mid-1980s golden age that includes the tale of how he almost killed a man over £100.

Lundstram joins Irons on loan

John Lundstram's latest loan spell takes him to Glanford Park and an initial month-long stint with Sheffield Scunthorpe United.

Three Blues receive England call-up

John Stones and Luke Garbutt have been named in the latest England U21 squad while Chris Long has been called up to Engand U20s.

Everton spread community spirit in Kyiv

Everton's community ethos has provided inspiration to children in Kyiv during the ClubÂ’s visit to the Ukrainian capital for tonightÂ’s UEFA Europa League game against Dynamo Kyiv.

Dynamo Kyiv vs Everton

Everton hope to be the only British club to make it into the quarter finals of European competition this season as they take on Dynamo Kyiv in the Olympic National Sports Complex with a 2-1 first-leg lead.

• Live Forum

Southall talks about Everton's season

Talking to the Daily Express at Finch Farm, Neville Southall gives his thoughts on Roberto Martinez and the difficult season Everton are having.

Survey reveals overwhelming support for EFC

The 2015 Premier League Fan Survey shows Everton fans to be overwhelmingly behind the club in categories all across the board.

Squad flies out to Ukraine

The Everton squad flew to Ukraine today for the Europa League second leg tie against Dynamo Kyiv today but with without Kevin Mirallas who remains sidelined after picking up an injury in the first leg last week.

Barkley feels goal could mark a turning point

Ross Barkley has opened up about his disappointing season, one that has mirrored the team's struggles as a whole, but says that he can feel the confidence coming back after the last two results.

U21s lose to Man Utd

Everton Under-21s missed out on the chance to move within a point of the league leaders as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Manchester United at Southport on Monday evening.

Martinez delighted by win over Newcastle

Roberto Martinez was effusive with praise of his team as they ended a three-month stretch without a home win in the Premier League.

Blues ease the pressure with handsome win over Newcastle

Everton won at home in the Premier League for the first time since December as they convincingly beat Newcastle United thanks in part to goals by James McCarthy and Ross Barkley that book-ended another confident penalty from Romelu Lukaku.

• Matchday updates and reaction
• /season/14-15/comment/reports/29556.html

Howard not concerned with criticism

Tim Howard has shrugged off criticism of his performances this season, insisting that he doesn't care what people say about him or the team as a whole.

U18s thrash Middlesbrough

Everton U18s ran out comfortable 4-0 winners over Boro's youngsters thanks to two goals by Kieran Dowell and one apiece for Harry Charsley and Calum Dyson.

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Horne: Everton won't go down but they do remind me of Wigan

Ex-Blue turned expert summariser and Echo columnist, Barry Horne, draws some disconcerting parallels between Everton and Wigan Athletic under Roberto Martinez.

Lukaku wants to carry momentum from Thursday into Toon clash

Romelu Lukaku has called on his Everton teammates to match the intensity they showed against Dynamo Kyiv when they resume Premier League duties this weekend against Newcastle.

Martinez: Kyiv win can provide a turning point

Everton's manager believes that last night's win in the Europa League was a microcosm of the team's domestic season and that it provided an "understanding of what has been going wrong in the League."

Everton vs Newcastle United

Everton expect John Stones to be fit for the visit of Newcastle United on Sunday after the defender missed Thursday's Europa League game with a stomach virus, but Leighton Baines is a doubt with a groin strain.

• Live Forum

Martinez proud of Blues' response against Kyiv

Roberto Martinez has expressed his pride in the manner in which his players shrugged off a slow start to beat Dynamo Kyiv in the Europa League Round of 16 first leg last night.

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Martinez’s promise of bright tomorrow for Everton in danger

Andy Hunter takes a considered look at Everton's problems on the domestic front this season and touches on all the relevant gripes that many supporters have had with Roberto Martinez's approach.

Blues add Glenavon teen to the Academy

Everton have signed Northern Irish teen prospect Shane Lavery on a two-year scholarship contract after he impressed on two recent trials.

Lukaku makes it advantage Everton in first leg against Kyiv

Everton came back from a goal down for the third match running in the Europa League to win the first leg against Dynamo Kyiv at Goodison Park. Steven Naismith cancelled out Oleg Gusev's 14th-minute opener shortly before the break and Romelu Lukaku stroked home the Blues' second from the spot eight minutes from time.

• Matchday updates and reaction
• /season/14-15/comment/reports/29535.html

Elsewhere On The Web

A Season of Struggle And How Roberto Martínez Is Both Problem and Solution

Daniel Butler provides an astute analysis of Everton's tactical Issues this season at the Just Football website.

Martinez: League situation is 'unacceptable'

Roberto Martinez says he is not shying away from Everton's dire Premier League situation but while he says they'll be ready for Sunday's clash with Newcastle, the focus is on tonight's clash with Dynamo Kyiv.

Everton vs Dynamo Kyiv

Everton step into the Round of 16 of the Europa League this evening to take on Dynamo Kyiv under the lights at Goodison Park where they have been impressive in this competition thus far.

Elsewhere On The Web

Talent Spotter: Luke Garbutt - Everton and England's successor to Leighton Baines

A profile of the soon-to-be-out-of-contract left back who has shown plenty of evidence thus far that he is the natural successor to Leighton Baines at club and international level.

Everton announce summer Singapore tour

Everton have revealed the full extent of their trip to the Far East this summer with the announcement that they will take part in the Asia Trophy in Singapore along with Arsenal, Stoke City and a select Singapore XI.

Mirallas lauds Everton's 12th man

Kevin Mirallas has called on the Everton faithful to provide the support that will help push the Blues through to the next round of the Europa League.

Ukraine leg holds no fear for Jagielka

Phil Jagielka has dismissed suggestions that Everton need to win Thursday's home leg against Dynamo Kyiv if they are to progress to the quarter finals of the Europa League, saying that the players fancy their chances away from home.

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#DancingMan is an Evertonian

It turns out that the subject of a recent social media sensation is from Merseyside and supports Everton.

California-based writer Cassandra Fairbanks started a Twitter campaign to find “dancing man” Sean O'Brien after a cruel Instagram posting mocking his weight "went viral".

Goodison gets Uefa makeover

Talking with EvertonÂ’s long-serving stadium manager, Alan Bowen, David Prentice provides a behind-the-scenes insight into the increasingly demanding changes to Goodison Park that are mandated by Uefa as the club progress further at each successive stage of the Europa League.

Under-21s beaten at the death in mini-derby

Everton's second string went down 2-1 to Liverpool in Chester this evening thanks to a goal in injury time.

Ebbrell joins Everton coaching staff

John Ebbrell has returned to Everton as an Academy coach, joining the collection of former players now on the staff at Finch Farm charged with bringing through the club's future talent.

Kanchelksis: Kyiv will be a very difficult game for Everton

Former Everton star, Andrei Kanchelskis, is predicting a couple of tough games for the Blues when they meet another of his old clubs, Dynamo Kyiv, in the Europa League's Round of 16.

Martinez focused on the long term

In a lengthy interview with The Telegraph's Henry Winter, Roberto Martinez expresses his continued belief that a commitment to creativity and passing football are the keys to success over time.

Exclusive: Tony Cottee – My Everton Years

ToffeeWeb contributor Rob Sawyer talks with former Everton striker, Tony Cottee, about what was then a record-breaking move to Goodison and his time with the Blues between 1988 and 1994.

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Inconsistent Everton crave domestic pick-me-up

"It says everything about Everton FC's Jekyll-and-Hyde season that they have managed more victories in the UEFA Europa League in 2015 – two out of two – than in 11 domestic fixtures, of which they have won only one," writes Simon Hart.

U21s progress in International Cup

Everton Under-21s are through to the quarter finals of the Premier League International Cup thanks to a 1-0 win over Sunderland.

Dynamo Kyiv away notice

Tickets for the Europa League Round of 16 fixture away to Dynamo Kyiv will go on sale from 8am on Friday, March 6.

Jagielka: Players share the blame for poor run

Everton captain, Phil Jagielka, says that the players need to start performing to take the pressure off their beleaguered manager following another defeat at Stoke last night.

Martinez attributes latest defeat to tired legs

Roberto Martinez put this evening's 2-0 defeat at Stoke down to Everton's hectic schedule, citing a fifth match in the space of two weeks for another lethargic display.

Uefa orders 'partial' closure of Kyiv stadium

Everton's Europa League Round of 16 away leg against Dynamo Kyiv will go ahead as planned at the Olympic Stadium following a decision by Uefa's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body.

Blues extend sorry run with defeat at Stoke

EvertonÂ’s horrible run of Premier League form continued at the Britannia Stadium with an eighth defeat in nine away games thanks to a goal in each half for Stoke, scored by Victor Moses and Mame Biram Diouf.

• Ken Buckley: From My Seat
• /season/14-15/comment/reports/29472.html

Dynamo Kyiv tickets on general sale tomorrow

Tickets for Everton's Europa League Round of 16 first leg tie against Dynamo Kyiv will go on general sale from 2pm tomorrow (Thursday 5th March 2015).

Stoke City vs Everton

Everton are on the road again this evening as they travel to Stoke with the pressure on Roberto Martinez's shoulders growing as the Blues' poor Premier League form continues.

• Global TV
• /comment/live/

Long helps keep Bees into playoff contention

Chris Long scored twice on his first start for Brentford this evening as the Bees beat Huddersfield Town 4-1 to stay in the Championship playoff picture.

Garbutt backs Blues to pull away from danger zone

Luke Garbutt says that there is belief in the Everton squad that the team can lift themselves away from any scrap at the bottom of the Premier League to avoid relegation, starting with a result at Stoke on Wednesday evening.

Elsewhere On The Web

Arsenal vs Everton: Tactical Analysis

A neutral's perspective on the Blues' 2-0 defeat at the Emirates which, sadly, encapsulates the team's pedestrian approach to games these days.

Walsh signs pro forms with Everton

Everton Academy prospect Liam Walsh has put pen to paper on his first professional contract, signing on with Everton until 2017.

Everton hit with fine for Chelsea flare-up

Both Everton and Chelsea have been fined £30,000 by the Football Association for "failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion" in the incident that took place late in the game at Stamford Bridge last month.

Baines an early doubt for Stoke

Leighton Baines will likely miss the trip to the Britannia Stadium on Wednesday after sustaining a quad muscle injury in training on Friday.

Everton fail to capitalise on Arsenal's Euro woe

Everton struggled to turn their dominance in possession into meaningful chances and eventually succumbed to a 2-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium thanks to Olivier Giroud's first-half strike and a deflected late effort from Tomas Rosicky.

• Full match report
• /season/14-15/comment/reports/29442.html

EZTrader Signs Partnership Deal with Everton

Everton have announced EZTrader Inc as the ClubÂ’s Official Online Trading Partner after striking a deal until May 2017.