Everton’s improved form in the Premier League has been disrupted by the latest international break but the Toffees are returning to action on Saturday.
Sean Dyche has now welcomed back a number of players following their international duties across their respective nations.
And Saturday will provide the Toffees with a huge opportunity to record their second victory of the season when they visit Ipswich Town.
Dyche has confirmed Iliman Ndiaye is fit to play following an injury scare during his time away with the Senegal national side.
Ndiaye is not the only Everton player to have been dealt with some frustration during his time away from Merseyside.
One player who is returning to Finch Farm following his international action is the England number one goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
What Sean Dyche said about Jordan Pickford
It has been quite the week for the England national side with Thomas Tuchel having been appointed as their next permanent manager.
However, it was a night to forget last week for England and Pickford after losing in the Nations League to Greece at Wembley.
It was not a usual Pickford performance with the Everton goalkeeper not looking like his typical self between the sticks for the Three Lions.
Speaking to the media from Finch Farm on Thursday, Dyche has said there is no denying Pickford’s ability despite a shaky showing for England.
“I mean, we gave him as much time extra as we could, you know, to get a mental break, as well as physical and I don’t think so. I think, you know, he’s had his fair share of question marks this season, but so have we,” Dyche told the media.
“He’s a top class goalie, you know, the England thing will sort itself out, but he’s a top class keeper, and people can make all the sounds that they do about situations. That’s fair, but when you see someone, you work with them all the time, what he’s done here and what he’ll continue to do, we just concentrate on that.”
Jordan Pickford key to Everton’s success
Last season, the Everton shot stopper certainly proved a number of people wrong with his performances for the Toffees.
Despite struggling in the league, Everton were able to boast one of the Premier League’s best defensive records with Pickford in goal.
A lot of England fans were left far from impressed with Pickford following the defeat to Greece last week.
However, the 30-year-old clearly has the backing of his manager with Everton returning from the international break to such an important fixture.
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