A number of Everton’s squad have jetted off around the world over the past couple of days as international football takes centre stage.
Jordan Pickford and Jarrad Branthwaite are with the England squad ahead of the Three Lions fixtures against Brazil and Belgium.
It’s been a memorable week for Branthwaite after his first call-up to Gareth Southgate’s senior squad; former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has even suggested he should start alongside John Stones in the upcoming European Championships.
Elsewhere, Vitaliy Mykolenko played for the Ukraine during their 2-1 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina on Thursday evening. Nathan Patterson is set to represent Scotland against the Netherlands on Friday evening.
Another player on international duty is Youssef Chermiti, Everton’s £15million summer signing (transfer fee from the Daily Mail).
How did Youssef Chermiti play for Portugal’s under-21s?
The 19-year-old was introduced in the 64th minute of Portugal’s European Championships qualifier against the Faroe Islands.
It was a debut to remember for the Everton striker after he netted his side’s third goal in a 4-0 win.
After the fixture, the 19-year-old posted an image of his celebrations on Instagram. Rangers’ striker Fabio Silva replied with two emojis in the comments. Silva, who is on loan at Ibrox from Wolverhampton Wanderers, started the game ahead of Chermiti.
Should Sean Dyche hand Chermiti first-team chance at Everton?
There can be no disputing that Chermiti was signed as one for the future, and the way Sean Dyche has utilised him probably indicates that this is the case.
He has yet to start a Premier League game but has made 11 substitute appearances, totalling just 60 minutes. On average, he plays just eight minutes per match.
But, considering Everton’s goalscoring woes, throwing the youngster from the start could be an option.
His goal on the international stage accompanies four goals in three games for Everton’s under-21s. Furthermore, he found the back of the net thrice during his 22 appearances for Sporting Lisbon.
A bright future could be in store, and Kevin Thelwell has previously alluded to his excitement about what Chermiti could produce over the coming years.
He told Everton’s official website: “The ongoing progress we are seeing from Youssef Chermiti and Lewis Dobbin, who are now established members of the squad, further illustrates the benefit of a streamlined group, where every player has a key role to play during the campaign.”
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