England would have been unworthy winners at Euro 2024 given how imperious Spain were all tournament, and for Everton fans, the main source of interest came through Jordan Pickford.
There are plenty of club fans who could not care less about international football, and justifiably so, but for many it was hard not to root for the Three Lions when their 30-year-old goalkeeper was so close to glory.
He deserves some kind of silverware for his efforts for the Toffees, and is unlikely to claim any whilst in a Royal Blue shirt if recent history is anything to go by.
However, there was ironically enough nearly another Everton-related contingent that threatened to sneak its way into Gareth Southgate’s camp…
Conor Coady turned down England invitation
The latest on the behind-the-scenes from the England camp, seeking to provide a deeper understanding in the aftermath of their dramatic loss last night, comes courtesy of The Telegraph.
Their piece is an insightful one, detailing the friendships that blossomed, the thinking behind each match, and, crucially, who nearly joined up with the squad too.
In fact, a former Everton man was actually invited to join up with the camp mid-way through the tournament, but declined the offer.
The report reads: ‘Trippier was left out, despite having captained England against Bosnia in the build up to the Euros, and there was a sense that some of the big characters of past tournaments were initially missed.
‘Conor Coady, who was in Germany working for the BBC, visited the dressing-room after the Denmark game but did not take up an invitation to go into camp.’
Focus can finally return to Everton
Having effectively lost a month of focus, with a major international competition naturally dominating the summer, attention can now finally return to club football after weeks of wasted time.
Kevin Thelwell has been working quietly in the background, but now that all players are free from the shackles of playing for their country in Germany, a whole new world of transfer opportunities opens up.
Amadou Onana’s Everton exit is one example of how it might conjure up a few outgoings, but should provide a neat cash injection to fund the rest of their summer exploits.
Jordan Pickford will enjoy an extended break, as is Jarrad Branthwaite, but return ready to give their all to the Toffees in what will be a historic season: their final one with Goodison Park as their home.
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