Michael Keane said last week that he’s enjoying the most consistent season of his Everton career.
In an exclusive interview with Everton News, we asked former Toffees goalkeeper Nigel Martyn if he’d go along with that assessment.
He feels that Keane has been so good that he’s pushing for a place in Gareth Southgate’s England starting 11, with the European Championship coming up in June.
Martyn admitted that Keane has had a little dip in form at times this season, but at present, has to be a serious contender to start for the Three Lions.
“He’s been very good,” said Martyn of Keane. “He had a slight wobble when Everton were wobbling – the centre halves were wobbling a little bit as well.
“But during this spell he’s been dominant and looking back to his England best.
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“He’s definitely pushing for a space there in the starting lineup for England so that’s good for him.
“He’s forced his way back into that. He probably did have a slight dip earlier in the season but he’s probably first choice centre half there now.”
The resurgence of former Toffee John Stones at Manchester City is perhaps the biggest barrier to Keane getting back into the England side.
Manchester United captain Harry Maguire looks a nailed on pick, so it’s just a case of who plays alongside him.
Southgate has returned to a three-man defensive system, so Keane, Stones and Maguire could all play if the experiment of playing Kyle Walker at right centre half is scrapped.
From an Everton perspective, they’ll just be hoping Keane can keep this form going until the end of the season.
Nigel Martyn speaking to Everton News: Archive