Calvert-Lewin called up for England qualilfiers

BTW - That's Michael Keane not Michael Kenrick.

I think the RS fans are more inclined to support England than us, probably only because they have loads down south and in the Home Counties, and are probably more patriotic than us. They must be absolutely livid that Trent Arnold hasn't made the latest squad.

Rob, the bestest right back in the whole wide world not in the squad?

Why do commentators use thier first names in commentary?
There not thier fuckin mates. ,"Bobby and Mo" will be disappointed Rob.

Why do commentators use thier first names in commentary?
There not thier fuckin mates. ,,,1,18:53:22,,213.205.242.210,ok,23848,03/18/2021 18:53:22,Tomrichards2@outlook.com,reader,,,no 1140651,40585,toffeeweb,18/03/2021,Darren Hind,dashin@cheerful.com,Well deserved. I wonder where we would have been without his goals and his work rate. Deffo bottom half of the table

I always want Everton players playing for their country. I'm not sure I would watch any international games if they didnt,Well deserved. I wonder where we would have been without his goals and his work rate. Deffo bottom half of the table

I always want Everton players playing for their country. I'm not sure I would watch any international games if they didnt,,,1,18:53:35,,2.123.29.73,ok,13643,03/18/2021 18:53:35,dashin@cheerful.com,reader,,,no 1140652,40585,toffeeweb,18/03/2021,Tony Everan,ianjones66@yahoo.co.uk,"Coady and Mings chosen before Michael Keane? Either Keane's got a niggle of an injury or Southgate has lost the plot. Dominic will be happy and he should get a goal or two if he gets some decent game time.

I am firmly in the apathetic camp with Thomas and Rob, I'll have it on the telly and look up from my paper every now and again.

That said, despite my disinterest in England, always pleased for players when they get the call as it obviously is a massive professional achievement for them.

Well done Dominic and all other Everton players called up for their respective national teams.

I agree.

"I don't watch England". . . Hater.

"Im backing Ancelotti".. Fan boy. Happy clapper.

Far too much emotion at times

I could have worded that better.
No dig intended at any individual poster.

In all fairness to Michael when he was getting slated for sub-standard performances on TW, I know that is incredible in itself :-), he never complained, or made excuses, but he was carrying a serious foot injury, so should have been rested.

Glad for Dominic, but also hope he scores, but not get injured in the process, is that asking too much? Having said that I don't put a lot of interest or support in International Matches, unless it's the World Cup.

I do hope in addition to him scoring that he gets some decent service which will hopefully be noted by the Everton Coaching Staff, and emulated.

If I was Spanish I would support Spain. If I was from Scotland I would support Scotland etc etc etc. If you are English why would you NOT support England ?

As as native of Old Swan who has lived in London for the last 30+ years I can confirm that most of the footie fans I know are far more interested in their club football than the England side. The only person I know who I would call a genuine England fan (member of the England Travel Club and attends friendly games as well as tournaments) supports Wimbledon and also attends Hampton & Richmond Borough's games.

If I recall correctly the old Everton fanzine ‘When Skies Are Grey' ran a regular feature called Smalltown Boys. This often made point that the main interest in the England team lies in the supporters of lower division teams who rarely get to experience any “glamour” via their own team. Judging by the number of Union flags at England games mentioning the likes of Port Vale, Bristol Rovers etc I suspect there is more than a grain of truth in that assertion.

I'll admit to watching England in tournament finals but don't bother with the endless qualifying matches against 3rd rate opposition.

Just to finish on the Spurs game. Spurs lose 3-0 and go out 3-2 on aggregate. Two worldie goals from Orsic and also a couple of absolute blinding saves from the Zagreb goalie to see them over the line. A brilliant game!!

Dale, I'd have felt gutted for Orsic if Spurs had scored, just for those two goals alone, he, more than anyone, deserved to go through.

But international recognition is important to the players, so it's good that one of ours has been recognised. It's well-deserved too, Dominic has had a good season.

Michael Keane has played well too. However, we know he has to play deep, he is very slow on the turn, so his international chances are therefore limited. I suspect quite a few of our attacking limitations at home are due to this having to defend deep, our slow midfield is working in too much space against more athletic midfields. It's probably the key to the improvement required next season, it's not just a case of bringing in midfielders but looking at the speed of the defenders.

Mentality is just not there!

Although I do hope his chokers, have an off day on Saturday!

Liverpool knocked them out the Champions League when they were expected to win – remember the caveat "for monies spent"?

They should have been Champions League winners by now – huge chokers.

I seriously couldn't believe Man City played that game after having their coach attacked on the way to Anfield, and I don't think any team has won more trophies than the 'chokers' in this country over the last few years. But, until they win the big one, I suppose people will always have this to back up their assumption, that City are a team of 'chokers'.

Wigan stuffed them at Wembley and even we were a bogey side to them in the early Mansoor days. They are a cold unemotional outfit who tried their best to throw away a first Prem title at home to QPR (I think). No wonder they couldn't fill the ground even pre covid something missing despite their spends.

Just look at the top. top quality players Spurs have had passing through during the Prem era Klinsman, Modric, Bale, Sherwood. Berbatov, the list is endless you don't think they got them on a free and paid them peanuts surely?

Presumably you had Wigan as faves to beat them in the FA Cup Final then!!

I don't know what the figure is but I would wager Spurs net spend over last 5 years would surprise a few.

I also think it's a very condescending strategy to slag Man City, for not filling their stadium every week as well Barry, and it's something that I'm sure will change over time?

Working class Mancs, I'd argue it takes years to build up a fan base of out of town, or overseas day trippers, but Man City look to me (not you – fair enough) like they are run so calmly and so professionally, and I can't see this changing whilst Guardiola retains his remarkable ability, and stays with that club.

I just watched the brief highlights/goals from the Spurs game. Aside from Orisic, did you spot anyone else who would enhance our squad? Was there a Croatian equivalent of Bernie Wright on the field?

Not sure why you are selecting the last 10 years for Spurs spending their profligacy goes back to before Klinsman!!

Man City should win everything domestically nobody is in their league financially but how can you defend losing the FA Cup to Wigan and continuous failure beyond these shores in the Champions League?

I might add that wetting their pants against Liverpool occurred at both grounds so your "coach attack" excuse has no relevance. And don't forget they choked in the Premier League last year to let the heathen become Champs.

These are facts that can't be ignored.

Also, Wigan did not “stuff” Man City in the 2013 final. It was a tight game that turned Wigan's way after Zabaleta was sent off with 10 minutes left, and which Wigan won with an injury time winner.

Sherwood?!?

On Keane, I guess it depends on how the manager / coach wants to play. I think we have all well documented on here that Keane is much improved. But that's in a deep sitting, compact defence. If you want to play a high line, you don't go with Keane. Or should I say, there are probably better options when you have the entire pool of English centre-backs to choose from.

Facts shouldn't be ignored by anyone.

I accepted your facts – they simply don't address my point about the monies spent.

On monies spent, I think they stand 4th in the table, Barry, behind Chelsea, Liverpool and Man Utd, with the cost of every trophy they've won, dividing into only £100 million!!

It shows you how far behind the Kenwright years have taken us.

Your denigration of Tim Sherwood is spot on, I actually meant Teddy Sheringham, lol!

On form Champions elect Man City against relegation Wigan should have been over before half time – no excuses... beyond them being choking tarts.

My take is what I've said previous. I think in Liverpool we have always been more club first and even when it came to country, not particularly England endeared. Might just be me and the crew I hung out with or a generational thing.

Also, it might be personal. My paternal side is second generation Liverpool Catholic Irish. My maternal first generation Northern Irish (Grandfather) and Scottish (Grandmother).

I served for 28 years in the British Army under the Union flag and have a British Passport. Given that and my "mongrel" background, I am British, not English and when it comes to football, Everton, not England. But that's just me.

Failing to win the big one whilst surrendering to weaker rivals from the league you dominate – Liverpool – is as big a definition of "choker" as you can get.

Man City are an example of how to get investment right. They have spent a lot of money, but look at the return of investment.

Chokers?

Since their early to mid-2000s development:

4 x League titles with another pretty much in the bag.
2 x FA Cups wins. Hopefully we stop them on their way to a 3rd this weekend.
5 x league cups.

And during that time, have played some of the most entertaining football along the way.

Hardly chokers. Not achieved on the European scale admittedly but I'd swap places.

I've used them as an example of a long term project and stepping stone process. Manager by manager they have improved and progressed. But you have to give each manager time.

They choked, Barry, how can I argue with you mate, against a lower team that forfeited the domestic the domestic cups, to help conserve their energy fo4 the big one imo.

Pep has adapted their game to beat that. Nonetheless, a joy to watch. A team that plays football exactly how it should be played.

Some of these players, whilst having some decent games in the Premier League, are just not world class and never will be.

Ollie Watkins, really!! Conor Coady ahead of Keane? Come on !

Okay, in the upcoming games against Albania and San Marino he could play a team of players from the Championship and get the result but it will prove nothing about the squad's ability.
The Poland game will be a little more of a test.

By the way, anyone taking bets that Liverpool will draw Porto tomorrow.

It certainly is not the defining one, or the only legitimate one you could apply. Other more flattering options are available and equally valid. Even more accurate and probable, I would venture.

However (!!), Southgate is an example of what we (yes, 'we' – despite my previous) have available due to years of neglect.

A product of the English / British game over the past decades.

Hence there are no successful English / British managers. Alex Ferguson aside, no Premier League title winners in a generation... and let's not forget he started out in the 80s.

Never heard of Mislav Orsic. First cracking goal against Spurs, look him up, 14 in 21 in a weak league, 2 goals in 9 Europa League games, 0 in five for Croatia. Probably luck.

Second goal, cool finish in a huge moment, yeah, maybe this is a guy we could get cheap for our left wing spot.

Third goal, blowing through five defenders, worldy to put Spurs out... ah shit, forget it, we can't afford him.

This is a guy who was valued on Transfermarkt this morning at $8.25M and drives a Volvo or something. Now he'll probably go to the Bundesliga for $25M and buy a Lambo off the lot. Good for him.

Keane has done more than Coady, Mings and Maguire, in my view, in terms of consistency. Is he being dropped for a few bad passes vs Chelsea and Burnley?

Bloody unlucky, if the case, but I'm happy for Everton, and Everton need a full squad for the next 2 months, as the Fixture schedule will impact our squad even more.

Regardless, I'm looking forward to Saturday, as it's the match, but I've serious concerns on the supply route for crosses etc for Calvert-Lewin, and Richarlison.

But hopefully there's gonna be a shock and Everton will beat Man City.

Let's be honest, if Gareth Southgate became available, how many top teams would be fighting for his services?

The reality is that these days, international football is little more than a quaint side-show and about as interesting as the early rounds of the League Cup.

Funny you should say that. I grew up on the outskirts of London and had a lot of acquaintances who went to England games. But at club level, they all supported Leyton Orient, Millwall or Spurs. None of my Arsenal, Watford or West Ham mates (this was the '80s & '90s when no-one outside of the shadow of Stamford Bridge supported Chelsea) were ever bothered about England. Spurs seem to be an extension of the England team somehow. Same white shirts, same shit players, Dier, Sherwood, Sinton, etc.

My household was more like Dave Abraham's or Danny O'Neiil's. Mum is Scottish, Dad had one Irish and one English parent. I never cared much for Scotland cause of the bigotry, so it was kind of Eire, England, various underdogs (eg, Cameroon), Scotland then everyone else in terms of preference.

These days, international football seems merely FIFA trying to retain a hold on the only competition that vies with the UEFA Champions League and very distant from international games being a test of differing styles of football.

Anyone remember Johnny Morrissey being the last of an Everton team to win honours when selected for an English League side?

International football requires something different. Let Keane enjoy the game that suits him. He's had a great season... Mind you, I think he is lucky to be at liberty. I've seen lesser offences than that awful pass he played against Burnley warrant a custodial sentence.

I'm honestly not a fan of international "breaks" any year but in the middle of a season that's far beyond normal it just boggles the mind.

The fact that we haven't played Aston Villa home or away yet, a fixture postponed on January 16 still hasn't been rearranged tells you everything.

As for England, I'm neither too arsed either way, I find the football very bland, the current crop of players very bland and the realistic chance of major trophies null and void.

The last time I connected with the England rollercoaster was the Euro 96 team which was probably a penalty shootout win away from its first trophy since 1966.

Incidentally, I'm with Tony on this argument but City never got out of second gear in this game!

Carlo's latest innovative defensive set up.

The season before (2nd div) it was 28,196, season after (also 2nd div) it was 32,088.
I would like to see any other team get those gates dropping 3 tiers

Ive heard we are in for Peter Couch.
Take a bit of weight off DCL

DCL or DFS?

City, have been poor, in the Champions lge, I'd say they've also been unlucky, especially that Spurs game, but look at their record the season before last, when they had to win their last “14 league games” whilst also going after “every other cup” just to win the league by one point.

It's easy to brow-beat, and go on about one or two games, but a team that had to win their last 14 league games, whilst also being successful in two other cups, are getting called chokers?

It's funny, I used to admire City fans, because whilst United were winning absolutely everything, they were slipping down two divisions, but always stood by their team. They reminded me of Evertonians, for their loyalty, but since they've started winning, I've realised they're nothing like us!

I was only about 7/8 but it didn't stop me uttering you f...ing dickhead under my breadth, and I remember not being bothered with the sweets anyway when the Italians eventually scored.

He didn't rub off on me though, I've took my oldest two to watch England during a World Cup tournament, and it gave me beautiful lifetime memories. I like all the home nations, but my country of birth is England.

Citys pre Mansoor attendances merely shows a solid bed rock of support in the circa 30k bracket. One might of expected that to grow exponentially after replacing utd as the dominant force of the British game and it hasn't (ps they choked again against utd recently).

I can offer additional reasons for their inability to attract fans that domestic dominance SHOULD bring but won't because I can't be arsed but undoubtedly a factor is their lack of charisma. Easily collecting domestic pots is a bit "meh" given their finances amidst the complete disintegration of Utd, Chels and Arse. Europe is their real test and they've choked at every attempt.

Regarding our spends we've spent fuck all compared to City et al but be assured if we ever do we will consistently win stuff

International football is very different and managing players with callups doesn't mean much, it's more of a pat on the back, your doing well, keep it up.

I don't really rate Southgate as a coach but what I do like about him is how he is adaptable and recognises good player's that are in or out of form.

Call ups or players dropped keeps them motivated. Very few players are played or called up every game.

But when it comes to tournaments, the real test, I'm not convinced he'll go for it. To steady, now with more pressure and everything to lose after England got much further in the world cup than expected.

IMO Dom isn't in the top 3 England strikers but he's having a good season and is still improving.

Keane isn't in the top 6 centre backs. Plus the lack of pace is highlighted more easily if a team isn't setup for him.

I'd have Godfrey, excellent season with pace and can play anywhere along the back line.

You need to dominate or at least challenge for honours for a good 10 years or more to be seen as a top team and take fans away from other areas, clubs etc.

City's fanbase will start to grow but it may take another 5 to 10 years before it's noticeable. Kid's being to young to attend or spend without an adult along for the ride.

Thats why utd, arsenal, liverpool can still appear to be the most popular.

But growing an overseas fan base can be far quicker, less loyalty and local rivalry etc. Leicester and City have grown massively in Asia in just a few years. Before that chelsea and arsenal in Africa.

Winning and having international players helps. Remember when we had Li Tie, the Chinese loved him and the idea they could support a local player.

So many lost opportunities.. if only we had a marketing dept..

Don Henderson was an actor in Bulman from blessed memory. Not sure how good at football he was

Hutchison gave us all a surprise when he moved to centre forward

Back then I saw a lot of Manchester United followed by Liverpool on the high street amongst a smattering of London clubs. Even Chelsea didn't become massively prominent in the area I live until the Mourinho mark 1 era. The United thing has been consistent but I definitely noted an uptick in Liverpool in the past 2 years. Even though it's always been there, the was a definite increase in visibility.

Obviously the caveat is this is where I live and what I observe, but considering the "project" started around 2007-ish, they just haven't gained traction from what I see.

Similar with Everton, there are more because we had multiple, longer periods of success.
Hopefully BMD and a decade of success will see the country in a sea of Everton kits in 2050!

Dave sounds like my Dad. I remember the 1990 semi final, he spent the whole game moaning about how all the England fans are just hooligans and he hoped they'd lose. I was like "what's that got to do with Trevor Steven and Lineker? you old git." It was like watching a game with Alf Garnett

"I've seen lesser offences than that awful pass he played against Burnley warrant a custodial sentence."

The pass wouldn't have looked as bad if it had been received by an international calibre player, like Keane himself.

Please tell me you backed it

I had a bad experience at my one and only attendance at an England fixture, which I appreciate I've mentioned before.

Away to Luxemburg in 1983. They won 4 - 0, yet all I remember as a then 12 year old was the England fans goading and scuffling amongst themselves based on club rivalries rather than watching the match. And then how they trashed everything in their path on a moving riot back into the city centre after the match.

Now I was no saint or angel as a youngster but I can honestly say I was fearful that evening. Left an impression on me that I've never shifted and watching England matches on TV in London pubs has unfortunately done nothing to change that view of the collective stereotype of the England following.

As for the England question, I think Keane is extremely unlucky to miss out. Seemingly Southgate - who I do not rate as a manager - is proving loyal to his World Cup 2018 squad members, as the presence of Dier, Stones, Trippier, Walker and Lingard suggests. Mings just about deserves his place, but I am Keane over Conor Coady all day long. And I'd have Ben Godfrey in ahead of Eric Dier too - although there's a long list of players I'd have ahead of Dier (including Ezri Konsa, James Tarkowski, Lewis Dunk, Ben White, Ben Mee, Chris Smalling, possibly even Fikayo Tomori).

Davies v Keane blame. Okay it was a bad pass. Let's say a hospital one. Okay it was poor control or the player wasn't expecting it. Jury out either way.

For me the one thing us mortals don't know and I suspect was missing was communication between 2 players. Either Tom called for it, causing Keane to play it, unsuspectingly trusting the shout. Or Keane shouted it without Tom asking and played blindly before the receiver declined the invitation.

Either way it put us in danger and we paid for the collective mistake. Communication could be the issue here, not ability or decision making on either part. But you have to be on the pitch to understand that and only Tom and Michael will know.

I'll remember Dave, nearly throwing me over the Gwladys Street upper balcony when Andy King scored that famous winner against Liverpool, on a captivating day. Then I realized how much Everton meant to so many people and I thanked the lord that I was born blue!

Hahaha, always best to hear both sides of the story, lol.

Was that the one where the police shoved King off the pitch mid-interview as there was a celebratory pitch invasion? Funny thing for me is that every time I've been to Goodison it was "under the lights" which is amazing. Half the games were midweek, the rest necessitated the lights due to bad weather, lol. Either way, it's magical!

You can't beat Goodison under floodlights, Kieran, I can still picture one of my son's face, every time I picked him up from school when Everton had a midweek fixture. He'd pump his fists and shout "Night match!" and then say, "I love night matches, dad!" and the memories keep flooding back

Danny, I stood on those barriers all season when I watched Everton win the league in 1985, and now I'm thinking about the Bayern Munich game once again!

People on here are obsessed with high lines, and I'm not entirely sure why. I think Steve Ferns mentioned it a couple of seasons back and everyone lapped it up as the system du jour.

In any case, I don't see England playing a high line as Southgate seems to favour playing 3 at the back – and that is why Coady and Dier are in the squad, as Southgate favours their supposedly superior passing game, with the cover pace to be provided by Kyle Walker.

I reckon Southgate will go with Walker, Maguire and Stones – like in Russia 2018 – as I think he is not a manager who makes bold decisions or is particularly open to switching systems for different opponents.

For what it is worth, In a foot race between Keane, Coady and Dier, then I'd be backing Keane to narrowly beat Coady, with Dier noticeably a few yards behind.

I don't disagree with you in terms of raw pace, but that is not necessarily Keane's main issue in comparison to those players. It is speed of thought and speed of mind, which influences decision-making. That is where those players have a yard on Keane even if he may be quicker on the ground.

I think you're right about Southgate. He has a system in his head and sticks to it no matter what.

I prefer defending from the halfway line, because it can suck the opposition in, and leave them vulnerable to a fast counter-attack, but the main thing is, that every player sings from the same hymn sheet, otherwise any system will fail.

i think he's one of our players – we have quite a few – who operates on a confidence tightrope.

That's why I am an advocate of European, not just Champion's League, qualification this season. If we get into Europe we open another door on the road map to putting ourselves back on the map.

And maybe, just maybe, give ourselves more memorable moments for young Evertonians to reminisce over like our generation has dined off for 30 years.

I've suggested before that the wheel of fortune has just creaked into our zone; incredible that we're still very much in with a shout for 4th and in the QF of the Cup.

Wonderful, and we should enjoy it. If it all goes tits up, we can then enjoy a proper TW moan.

Win, win.

If the defence push up by 15 yards, 15 yards of space between the lines goes.
If the defence push up 20 yards, 20 yards of space between the lines goes.

I think the main way we improve is by buying the fast centre half to partner Godfrey.
Makes the midfield and forwards jobs easier as well.

Unfortunately, bar one or two teams, international standards have descended from a peak of footballing excellence (all kneel to Brazil 1970) to Championship quality.

What a change from hanging on every minute of England games with our Alan Ball in.

The high press is a good tactic if you have the players across the pitch to make it work to your advantage. Similarly, trying to pass through a high press can be a good tactic if you have the players to turn it to your advantage. But a high press does not automatically trump a deeper lying, counter-attacking set-up. This is not poker.

Danny (127) - I think Keane matches up with Dier and Coady for speed of thought/mind too. And there may well be games when England are up against an old-fashioned target-man centre-forward - or even a pair of them. I don't see Stones, Dier or Coady as a great partner for Maguire in such a game. But Mings or Keane - much better options.

I have posted many times, Gomes, Sigurdsson and Davies will not start in the first team next season.

I didn't mention the high press, that's you.

I wouldn't mind a game of poker with you, Andrew.

But moving forward, if we want to win, and do so in an entertaining style, we need to be higher up the pitch as a team.

I think that's where we disagree on Keane. He is fine playing in the system we have been using lately. Not just fine, he's looked really good.

The moment we ask our team (the defence being part of that), to play higher up the pitch, I think he get's exposed. I say that because, in my opinion, I've seen him too often watch the ball drift over his head and then make his decision. Only he doesn't have the pace to counter for the fact he's made his decision too late. His speed of thought and speed of mind are slow and he doesn't have the pace to recover and counter it by reading the game and thinking ahead.

Look, let's not detract from the fact Michael has had and is having a great season. Because he suits how we're playing right now and how we're playing suits him.

I used to live not a stone's throw – more like a feather's throw – from Maine Road when Man City were in the third tier. Rough neighborhood, lot of poverty, lot of crime.

But to your point: Man City was the thing holding the community together. I'd say along with Everton, West Ham and Sunderland, City have some of the most dedicated fans, a hardcore unbreakable local fan base who will never turn their backs on the team.

Now, did I get along with their fans? Make great mates? No. I was a southern-born Evertonian so we had different perspectives. But I had tremendous respect for their fans. But for the lottery of birthright, they would have been great Evertonians.