Five named to England U-21 Squad

I wonder, however, what the reaction would be if all five were considered as regular starters, say before Christmas? They certainly split opinion in different ways:

● I have doubts about Calvert-Lewin and Davies just based on their ability versus that required at top level;

● Lookman has issues and, whilst he's a probable real talent, he is not delivering for whatever reason;

● Kenny I think has looked a lot better in the past couple of games;

● Dowell, whilst only getting a limited chance, is not really pressing...

I accept I might get murdered by a few on here; young... give them a chance etc etc. But just my musing.

Dowell is an odd case – maybe another 6 months on loan would help. I say send him to Cardiff – Warnock will put some steel in him and he'll learn to fight as well as be the player he is.

That is absolutely correct. Catterick introduced Harvey, Wright, Hurst, Husband, Royle and Whittle over a period of four to five years. They joined a settled, well performing team with top class players who could support them through the learning curve. Ultimately they were all important players in our Championship-winning team of 1969-70.

A problem at present is that too much is being expected too soon of too many of our young players. Moreover, we are not blessed with many, if any, experienced, top class performers who are confident enough in their own places to help those around them. An impatient home crowd just adds a further dimension to the challenge facing the younger players.

The fact that so many are earning England Under-21 recognition should tell us we have some of the best players of their age group in the country. It is incumbent on the manager and his staff to do everything in their power to guide them through their formative years.

I also think Lookman is a talent but you really can't blame Silva for not managing the best out of him. Within days of taking over, Silva said Lookman was the present and the future of Everton, that should have been a massive lift for Lookman.

Yes, he looked good in the first half on Tuesday against Southampton, and the fans were really encouraging him. He took a couple of corners and the fans applauded him as he ran over to take them, but he never acknowledged them. Then, when he was substituted in the second half, Schneiderlin but his hand out to him and he just shrugged it off.

So, while he is talented, it seems pretty obvious he doesn't want to be here, and I think he will be gone to Leipzig in the January window.

Craig Dawson
Nathaniel Clyne
Jordan Henderson
Danny Rose
Wilf Zaha
Jonjo Shelvey

They are the big successes at Premier League level, albeit a few are not now first choice for their clubs. Here's some of the others:

Craig Dawson
Adam Smith
Tom Lees
Jack Robinson
Jason Lowe
Jason Steele
Josh McEachran
Tom Ince
Henri Lansbury
Nathan Delfouneso
Marvin Sordell
Connor Wickham
Callum McManaman
Steven Caulker
Andre Wisdom

We need to remember, that out of our 5, we'll be lucky to get two top-drawer Premier League players and more likely only one. The worry I have is that the one who looks most likely, Lookman, isn't even going to be with us. Most of the U-21 crop tends to end up somewhat struggling at Premier League level, or disappearing down into the lower leagues. Sad, but true.

It's sad the bad blood and seeming lack of respect for the club that has crept in over the last few years.

With Lookman, money aside, it seems like he doesn't feel like he owes the club anything - probably due to the lack of play time and 'coaching'.

I hope Silva turns it around but in Lookmans case maybe it is too late.

From the Gurdian: “It can be that way because, when you go through the youth system (at Everton), you’re always going in to do analysis work, looking at every way of improving, and your coaches are always on top of you. Then when you get to the first team it can change because managers are focusing on weekly results and not player development.”

Well done again to the Blues development team for producing up-and-coming talent.