Everton duo play in England romp over Czech Republic

Dave Long, EFC Japan correspondent.

There is plenty of room for improvement for the pair, but well done for recent performances. (except that 30-minute Keystone Cops episode against Newcastle).

Oh yes, my thoughts exactly!
COYB.

Now whether its right that Hudson-Odoi gets an England cap before actually starting a game for Chelsea, I am not sure, but there is no question he is talented. I wonder what Lookman thinks when he sees Sanchez and Hudson-Odoi in the full England side, and whether it strengthens his resolve to get his move to Leipzig to push his claims for an England place.

The defence didn't have a lot to do last night so a fairly comfortable night for Pickford and Keane. I have to say, I was for the first time impressed with Jordan Henderson, he was always looking to up the tempo and move the ball quickly. I don't think Kane or Alli were anywhere near their best but, if you win 5-0 and 2 of your players aren't at the top of their game, then that's no bad thing.

Funny Southgate really didn't impress me much as a club manager but he really seems to have found his feet at International football. He seems to have got the mix of youth and experience spot on. Also, I think the fact that all the different age groups that won their World Cups is starting to bear fruit. No wonder the top German teams are trying to snap up all these talented players from these age groups.

I read that he gives his England fee to charity, that is amazing. Very good to be an English fan at the moment. If the Everton revival could only start but I genuinely see it coming.

Keane and Pickford both did well as did the youngsters in the U21 game.

It was interesting to see Kieran Dowell playing in a holding MF position and doing very well.

Shades of Sheeds.

Playing Henderson next to Dier (in any game, but especially) at home vs Czech Republic reeks of far too much caution, and it seems is Southgates one unshakable blind spot which might prevent this talented, fearless group from progressing. No need for 2 oggs, one will do Gareth!

Mick McCarthy was a bit sniffy towards Everton last week because James McCarthy didn't go out on loan in January to get game time.

As you follow James closely and with your Irish connection, I wonder why James isn't as much on the bench for Ireland today, never mind in the starting XI.

I find it strange, given the manager's words. Unless Mick is mimicking Marco Silva and now recognizing James is still some way short of being match fit.

Don't tell me he left the squad early due to injury again, poor lad!

Genuinely curious what's happened as I thought he HAD joined the squad.

For years I hated the old boys network that chose players from 2-3 teams and, in many cases, out of position. Thank you Gareth and I'm still trying to convince the missus he's not the same fella who does that choir series on the telly.

I didn't realise Mick called up 34 players originally before trimming it and James didn't make the final cut.

That kinda confirms he remains well short of being match fit, sadly.

Pretty much the first time Richarlison and Firmino have played together for Brazil. Usually, it's been one or the other playing centrally.

Today, Firmino is taking up that role and Richarlison is wide right - VERY wide right. He is really hugging the touchline.

He is also seeing a lot of the ball as his flank appears to be Brazil's preferred avenue of attack.

He's playing well...but it's taken Brazil 30 minutes to score the first goal. I think England was 4-0 in their game in that time.

I see the press going apeshit about Southgate as well. Deluded clowns. Let's see how hed fare at club management. My guess is not very well.

Bainsey is at the age when he can no longer be 100% sure if his body will be in the mood when he wakes up.

My favorite player. When his stars are aligned, he is still a proper proper footballer

Baines will be OK for the odd game, it's the persistant Sat. Wed. Sat. Wed. That would do for him.

The way to handle it in your mid 30s is put in all the work you can pre-season and, baring serious injury obviously, just play your games - they become your day by day fitness work, that time you used to spend training...or as Bobby Charlton put it, knackering myself out chasing 18year olds around the training ground...is just about recovery and keeping loose.

This attitude of course requires some degree of enlightenment, from all concerned, Player, Coaches and above all, Team Mates.

Always has to be one miserable post!!

How do you get through a day?

I don't know if he has improved/matured in the current season. I have been unable to see him often. One thing I do know though he has had the career nouse to leave Liverpool for a bigger club. : ^)

Float that notion at your local watering hole.
Everton content? Ross Barkley is a product of the Everton youth system. He missed the classes upon... well, class.

Calvert-Lewin did some decent hold-up play and also scored; Lookman had some moments but for me seemed a bit reactive. I was most impressed with Jonjoe Kenny, defended diligently and also got forward a lot.

First goal Panama has scored against Brazil, EVER!

Our boy Richarlison did okay. Plenty others didn't. It was really, really strange watching a Brazilian side lumping hopeful balls from deep against a packed defence rather than play through them as you would expect.

Interestingly, there will be another barometer by which to measure this Brazilian side against England on Tuesday: they play the Czechs who England tanked 5-0 on Friday.

Yes, interesting against the Czechs, then if Richarlison did ok overall, they'll let him play again? I wonder, if Richarlison play along side Firmino, is it like when Gerrard played with Baines in England, it seemed like he would NEVER pass the ball to Baines..

I will have to watch the highlights tomorrow then.

I still hate the delayed transfer and loss of signing fee + free treatment, but there's local stuff I don't know personally about, I guess. So I don't hate him personally. Good to see a childhood Blue do good! And sorry for Walters, another young player who couldn't stay with us at the time!