Blues youngster mixes with senior England squad

, 7 October, 12comments  |  Jump to most recent
Everton U21s prospect Tom Davies got an early taste of training with the full England squad today when he was invited to train with the group at St George's Park.

The 17-year-old was asked to step up from England's U17s for the morning and train with Roy Hodgson's squad to make up the numbers after Wayne Rooney, Danny Ings and Jonjoe Shelvey all sat out with injury complaints.

Davies recently put pen to paper on his first professional contract with Everton, signing a two-year deal.  



Reader Comments (12)

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Oscar Huglin
1 Posted 07/10/2015 at 17:22:25
Anyone know anything about this lad?
Colin Glassar
2 Posted 07/10/2015 at 17:29:59
I’ve only seen him once, Oscar, and he looks like a good ’un. The club have high hopes for him.
Peter Gorman
3 Posted 07/10/2015 at 17:46:15
Not sure I agree, he seemed pretty limited as a footballer the only time I saw him in the U21s derby despite getting the equalising goal. I suppose it shows some character but just wasn't impressed with him as a footballer. Obviously I've had little evidence to go on.
Brent Stephens
4 Posted 07/10/2015 at 18:30:22
I've seen him a couple of time for U21s. Looks a confident lad, and skillful, especially given his age.
Tom Bowers
5 Posted 07/10/2015 at 18:49:49
We have to reserve judgement on youngsters until they prove themselves at the top level and that means consistency not just one or two games. Some get a chance at senior level, look good and then fall off, usually ending up on loan etc.

Everton are enjoying somewhat of a bonus with youngsters these days with Ross finally maturing, Galloway and Browning doing well along with Funes Mori shaping up too. With others out injured, Coleman, Baines, Oviedo, and Cleverley, one hopes that, if ever the whole squad is fully fit again, Everton will have a force to be reckoned with come the second half of the season.

Obviously, it usually follows that when you get some guys back some others get injured but most teams have the same problems and if Everton can maintain a high league position with the youngsters doing well, then we can be optimistic.

Dick Brady
6 Posted 07/10/2015 at 19:46:48
I remember Ryan Ledson used to be highly tipped and at one stage it looked like he was starting to break through. Sadly he seems to be going backwards a little bit now and is as far away from the first team as he's ever been.
Charlie Fath
7 Posted 07/10/2015 at 19:49:24
Peter #3, not sure what you were watching at the U21 derby but he came on as sub and looked very capable. Also seen him 3 times for England and each time he looked strong, runs well with the ball and has an eye for a pass.

Always used as central midfielder, so you don’t play there for older age groups and internationals if you're not highly rated.

John Raftery
8 Posted 08/10/2015 at 17:45:06
I thought Davies impressed when he came on in the under 21 derby. He is only 17 and has plenty of time to develop.

As regards Ledson, he was never seriously in contention for a first team place this season but he also has plenty of time to develop. It is a huge leap to first team from under-age football and as we all know only a very small number of the elite players who are internationals at under 17 make it at Premier League level.

Apart from the once-in-a-generation players such as Wayne Rooney, it is very difficult to predict who will make it at such a young age.

Bill Griffiths
9 Posted 08/10/2015 at 18:24:10
I saw him play in the pre-season U21 game against Wrexham. My thoughts at the time as far as ability goes were the same as Peter Gorman (#3), i.e. a bit limited.

On the plus side, I would say that he appeared to be one of the fittest players in that he never stopped running and tackling all over the pitch, his work rate was really impressive. Hope he comes good both for his and The Blues' sake.

Mark Burns
10 Posted 08/10/2015 at 18:34:06
Tom played in the Euro U17 group stage opening game but was injured and I believe if he had been fully fit England could have reached the last four at least. So watch the U17 World Cup in Chile: he will make the difference. I believe England can do well in this competition.

He is an experienced England youth International for his age and a product of the Everton academy. He may captain his country during the tournament so wish him luck he will need all our support for he has the potential to lead the seniors one day this is just the beginning!

Michael Kenrick
11 Posted 08/10/2015 at 21:24:26
That is some great info, Mark (#10); I'm using it as a base to write up his ToffeeWeb Profile.

Although help me here: England topped Group D and Tom Davies returned in the Quarterfinal; however, they lost to Russia... Have I got that right? So I don't quite understand the basis of your claim. In fact, another Blue Nathan Holland, missed a vital penalty in that game... so you could perhaps argue it another way...

Mark Burns
12 Posted 08/10/2015 at 22:39:41
Michael,

Tom Davies was injured in the opening group match against Italy a game England won 1-0 he recovered for the Russia quarterfinal game after England qualified from the group stage I believe they had been unbeaten in the qualifying tournament up to that date I trust he will go to Chile and make his family proud .

One very important thing about Tom that was evident during his performance against Romania U17 at Burton Albion football club during the Euro Qualifying tournament, a game I might add that he captained England, he is a tremendous leader. After England had conceded a soft keeper mistake goal, Tom ran to the keeper, calmed him down with an encouraging word at the right time, and England went on to win the game.

He's a credit to his club, family and his country.


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