Everton

Image source, PA Media

England interim manager Lee Carsley has named a 26-man squad for the upcoming Nations League games against Greece and Republic of Ireland.

Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall and Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis have received their first call-ups to the senior side, with Saints' Aaron Ramsdale one of three goalkeepers selected.

The only other uncapped player in the squad is Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, while there is no place for Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers.

These will be Carsley's final two matches in charge before Thomas Tuchel becomes Gareth Southgate's full-time successor from 1 January.

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton).

Defenders: Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Rico Lewis (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Lewis Hall (Newcastle), Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Southampton).

Midfielders: Conor Gallagher (Atletico Madrid), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), Angel Gomes (Lille), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Curtis Jones (Liverpool).

Forwards: Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham).

Image source, Getty Images

Everton fan Matt Dillon says Sean Dyche's side are "underachieving" this season and need to adapt in order to pick up points.

The Blues travel to West Ham on Saturday sitting 16th in the Premier League on nine points after 10 games.

"We have got to start winning games and pushing up the league," Dillon told BBC Radio Merseyside. "Whoever steps on to the pitch has got to step it up.

"Beto grafts every game. He is very unorthodox but at the moment he is certainly more of a goal threat than Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

"Whether Dyche thinks that is another thing.

"Is having two up top the way for us to go now for the rest of the season? Well, our attacking play is better when we do, even if it is Michael Keane and someone else!

"We need to have a level of dominance in games to be able to dictate play so this game is massive for the club and Dyche.

"I don't think he has got that much longer in the job. I don't think he can adapt his tactics and style of play but other top managers can.

"Our players are not world-beaters by any means but for the level of players we have we are underachieving. We should be mid-table."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

Everton have expressed an interest in signing Brighton's Ghana right-back Tariq Lamptey on a free transfer when the 24-year-old's contract expires at the end of the season. (Africa Foot - in French), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Ian Kennedy
BBC Radio Merseyside reporter

Image source, Getty Images

With Everton's five-match unbeaten run at an end, another big game looms at the weekend against a West Ham side just two points better off.

The Blues are tantalisingly close to mid-table security, but they are now also looking over their shoulder again.

These are the games you don't want to lose, which is why the defeat at St Mary's last time out was so disappointing.

Beto's impact after coming on was significant – his VAR-denied goal was taken brilliantly, he hit the bar and he was involved in the incident that might have given Jan Bednarek a red card on another day.

Has he done enough to get a start, factoring in his equaliser in the previous game against Fulham? Could he play alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin, in a change of formation?

These are questions for Sean Dyche to ponder.

He will also need to decide if Jarrad Branthwaite comes back into the starting line-up. You can understand Dyche not wanting to change a defensive line-up that has been performing well recently, but Branthwaite is seen as Everton's most valuable asset and there will be many who would like to see him return at the weekend.

It's sage to say there are going to be interesting selection dilemmas for the Blues boss.

Listen to Total Sport Merseyside from 18:00 on weeknights and find details here of live Everton match commentaries on BBC Radio Merseyside

Explore Everton content on BBC Sounds

Manchester United are planning a fresh move for 22-year-old Everton and England centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite in the summer. (Talksport), external

Premier League clubs have reserved the right to seek compensation for lost earnings if Manchester City are found guilty of breaching the league's financial rules. (Times - subscription required), external

Want more transfer news? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Image source, Getty Images

Former Everton defender Martin Keown "sincerely hopes" the Toffees can return to their former glory days and steer clear of relegation battles.

Keown, who spent fours years at the club between 1989 and 1993, spoke to BBC Radio Merseyside: "Looking back to when I was there it was volatile and it has certainly been volatile in the last couple of years too.

"The stadium is the next thing but it is a sad season to wave goodbye to Goodison Park. It is a wonderful place, great atmosphere there and the fans would really drive you on. I really appreciated their support when I was there, that's for sure.

"I loved playing for Everton. It is a real hotbed of football, that is what took me there. I loved every minute of living there but it just didn't happen on the pitch for me, for one reason or another.

"There were some big characters, big people, and everyone loved their football. It was a turbulent time but nonetheless I loved being there."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Former Everton midfielder Mark Pembridge says Sean Dyche needs to be less "regimental" and "mix up" his attacking options to start games better.

Speaking on BBC Radio Merseyside, Pembridge said: "He's quite regimental in the 4-3-2-1 formation, but you have to work on the training pitch and look at what players you have available to play certain systems.

"Midway through the first-half [against Southampton] he could have tweaked it a little bit to get them on the ball and creating.

"If you mix up the attacking options then you might get a little bit more joy from it.

"Goals change games and you don't want to keep chasing games."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Everton midfielder Jesper Lindstrom says he is building "confidence" and "getting a feel" for the Premier League, after signing on a season-long loan from Serie A side Napoli this summer.

Speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside following the 1-0 defeat by Southampton, Lindstrom said: "We have a better team than what we show on the pitch, so there is a level of competition [in the team]. Everybody has to train well, otherwise you don't play.

"I had a good training week and I think that's why I started this game. I have to keep going; everybody has to keep going. We have to demand something from each other and everybody has to fight for the team."

The Denmark international added that the Toffees' next fixture against West Ham United, who are also floating in the bottom half of the table, is "a six-point game".

"Every game is very important," Lindstrom said. "But this is a team that is around us, so we have to win against them to go on top of them.

"West Ham are good, especially at home, so it is going to be tough. We have to demand more, fight and train hard.

"If we perform like this [against Southampton], we aren't going to win [against West Ham]. We have to look in the mirror and tell ourselves to get better."

Listen to the full post-match interview on BBC Sounds

Mike Richards
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

It would be easy for me to bemoan our luck after Saturday's defeat by Southampton.

Jan Bednarek not receiving his marching orders and Beto's equaliser being ruled out by the width of a toenail may be the headline for some.

However, the performance cannot be sugar-coated or seen as a hard luck story. It was embarrassing, lacklustre and woefully short of acceptable.

Everton have become somewhat predictable, from the setup to the personnel and everything in between. There is no freedom for players to express themselves.

If we are being brutally honest, the level of performance has severely dipped from last season and the slide needs to be addressed.

Focus naturally turns to the manager. Rightly praised for the job he did in his first 18 months at the club, there is a sense within the fanbase that his race is run.

With the potential takeover of the club lingering in the background, you wonder whether it has impacted the motivation of some who may not be part of the club's future.

I include management, coaching staff and players in that. It is well publicised who is out of contract in the summer.

With the reset button about to be pressed, the vast majority of those will not be present when we walk out for the first time at Bramley Moore.

The manager can quickly win some fan favour by reinstating Jarrad Branthwaite to the starting XI. His exclusion on Saturday was as baffling as it was unthinkable.

With yet another international break on the horizon, you have to feel the manager has to get it right against West Ham. If he does not, then I will leave everyone to make their own mind up on his immediate future.

Find more from Mike Richards at Unholy Trinity, external

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Sport Chief Football writer, Phil McNulty has been answering fan questions on all things Premier League.

@win_n10 on X asked: Sean Dyche has never commanded critical acclaim for his no-nonsense post-war austerity football but Evertonians find themselves asking if his wretched anti-football has finally hit the buffers. Can he turn it around or is he a dead man walking?

Phil answered: I get the real sense of discontent from Everton fans, not just about results but the style of football under Sean Dyche.

I fear ambition will be limited to staying up this season as relegation ahead of going into that magnificent new stadium is unthinkable. This is why, unless Everton are plunged into a dire emergency, I think Dyche will stay in charge as he has charted a course to safety before.

I do not see him taking Everton into Bramley Moore Dock as history tells us billionaires such as prospective new owner Dan Friedkin want their own manager in charge and will harbour wider ambitions than simply safety.

I do not see Dyche, who deserves respect for ensuring Everton’s safety in the last couple of seasons, as manager beyond the end of this season.

Follow the rest of Phil's Q&A here.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Southampton and Everton.

Here are some of your comments:

Southampton fans:

Vincent: What a relief. Everton helped us out by being pretty poor for large parts of the game and when they improved we got the luck we needed thanks to the crossbar and VAR. Still lots to improve on but it feels like we have positive momentum.

Daz: Let's not get ahead of ourselves here, it's only our first win in 10 games in the Premier League and to be honest it was a lucky win at that - we were lucky to hold on to the 1-0. We are still in a relegation spot, so is this the start of something good? Who knows, but I certainly won't be holding my breath. A lucky escape for Russell Martin this time around.

Connor: Not a perfect performance, we needed a lot of luck to get us over the line. Nonetheless, I welcome the feeling of a long awaited win and I just hope the confidence gained can kick start our season. Three more points next weekend please!

Mark: Don't get me wrong, I am very happy we finally won a game but in my opinion we could and should have lost. We can't defend. Playing out from the back will kill us. Martin has no clue about tactics or substitutions. We will be relegated.

Everton fans:

Nigel: This all hangs on Dyche. He hasn't got it in him to try anything different. He could have tried Calvert-Lewin and Beto together. He could stop playing his favourites (McNeil). He could start our best player, Branthwaite. But he's just stubborn, or hasn't the coaching ability. I'm grateful for his service in keeping us up, but it's time to go!

Peter: Every week we stick with Calvert-Lewin, every week he fails to engage in the team strategy, then we bring on Beto who looks 100% behind the team plan. Beto wants first team football, Calvert-Lewin won't sign a new contract. Am I missing something?

Ed: Dyche has to go, plain and simple. Southampton have beaten us twice. Embarrassing. Our unbeaten run has flattered us and I honestly think anyone could get a better tune out of these players than the current management. Focusing on key decisions is a distraction from the underlying mess. The whole club needs flushing out from top to bottom.

Jim: Very sloppy performance, couldn't keep hold of the ball and no decisive cutting edge in attack. Took off our influential attacker in the second half which is a bit baffling. Everton left the back door open for their winner. Head scratching time.

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Saturday's seven Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Liverpool 2-1 Brighton

• Wolves 2-2 Crystal Palace

Image source, Getty Images

Everton manager Sean Dyche spoke after today's loss: "The key decision in the game went against us. The sending off, I'm surprised by that (was not given).

"Beto is in his stride and he's breaking across. The thing that worries me is that players who don't roll around don't get decisions.

"Beto is trying to stay on his feet and nothing gets given but just a yellow card, the defender is a long way off."

Harry Poole
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Everton’s five-game unbeaten run in the Premier League has come to an end after a breathless conclusion at St Mary's - but Sean Dyche will feel his side did enough to leave the South Coast with a result.

Dyche admitted his side had not been playing their best but had “found a way” to get results – a characteristic which has been vital to ensuring they have retained their Premier League status despite recent struggles.

But fine margins meant they were unable to maintain their recent run of improved form, not least when Adam Armstrong scored with one of Southampton's two shots on target 25 seconds after Beto had struck the crossbar.

Dyche believed the hosts should have been down to 10 men before then, after Jan Bednarek stopped Beto's run towards goal and VAR decided not to upgrade his yellow card for denial of a goalscoring opportunity.

A marginal offside denying the Toffees a late leveller summed up Everton's day, and Dyche's side must now brush themselves down after coming up short here.

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Southampton’s performance, external

What did you make of Everton’s display?, external

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches this season, against a variety of guests.

For week 10 he takes on The Piano TV series winner Brad Kella.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

Everton's late equaliser against Fulham helped get me a predictions win last week, and I am going for another 1-1 draw this time too.

The way both teams approach the game is interesting. Sean Dyche's side have got the nous and are streetwise, while Southampton are viewed by many as being naive and playing fantasy football, with their style of play under Russell Martin.

You look at the games that Saints have thrown away - like they did against Leicester and Ipswich - and you feel like Dyche will have hope on Saturday even if his side are trailing late on.

I really enjoyed seeing Dyche put centre-half Michael Keane up as a makeshift centre-forward to mix things up against Fulham, and his Everton team never lie down, which is why I think they will get something out of this game too.

Brad's prediction: 2-0

Southampton to win, no doubt about this one!

Read the full predictions and have your say

Seven matches make up Saturday's Premier League action, and we will bring you every moment.

• Newcastle v Arsenal - 12:30

• Bournemouth v Manchester City

• Ipswich v Leicester

• Liverpool v Brighton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Nottingham Forest v West Ham

• Southampton v Everton

• Wolves v Crystal Palace - 17:30 - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off 15:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction

Image source, Getty Images

Earlier, we asked you to identify the former Everton player from their Premier League statistics playing for the club.

The correct answer was Phil Neville.

Guess the former Everton player from their Premier League statistics at the club:

• Years at club: 2005-2013

• National team: England

• Position: Defender

• Appearances: 242

• Goals: 4

Answer will be revealed at 17:00 GMT

Image source, Getty Images

Everton’s Ashley Young has three assists in his last five Premier League appearances, as many as he had in his previous 124 matches combined.

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Everton boss Sean Dyche has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Southampton (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Dyche is hopeful Dwight McNeil will be available for the trip to St Mary's and Abdoulaye Doucoure, who has had a "small issue", should also be fit.

• James Garner will be sidelined for weeks with his back injury and has stopped training on the grass in line with medical advice. Dyche added: "It is likely to be beyond a month, I’m pretty sure, but we will see."

• Striker Beto, who scored against Fulham, has trained well on Thursday and is continuing to work hard as he comes back from injury.

• On Beto's confidence after scoring: "It is bound to bring a real feel good factor. He’s had his question marks but he continues to learn."

• Dyche said Everton have "got to perform better than in the last game" [Fulham] if they are to get a result against Southampton.

• Armando Broja is still working with the sports science team but could return to light training next week.

• On whether it is Nathan Patterson's time to get a chance: "It is time when he is ready to appear in the first team. No-one is holding anyone back here. If you are fit enough and good enough you will play."

• He said his side are learning to "grind and play our way out of things" to get points from games. Dyche added: "The work myself, the players and staff have put in is beginning to show."

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news