View: Godfrey should count himself unlucky only to make England U21 squad
England announced their U21 squad ahead of their upcoming Euro 2021 group stage games on Tuesday, and Everton duo Tom Davies and Ben Godfrey made the cut.
Both Davies and Godfrey have become regular starters under Carlo Ancelotti in recent months, with Godfrey’s versatility in particular making him a key asset for the Blues.
Though both players making the England squad shouldn’t be seen as a negative, Godfrey could perhaps consider his inclusion a snub from Gareth Southgate’s senior squad.
England are not blessed with the deepest talent pool when it comes to the centre-back position, and Godfrey’s impressive displays this season could have seen him considered.
Eric Dier, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings and Godfrey’s Everton teammate Michael Keane made England’s last squad, while John Stones’ recent resurgence will surely see his inclusion when England shortly announce their senior squad.
None of the aforementioned players have proven to be as versatile and committed as Godfrey has been this season, while perhaps only Stones has been equally as consistent in the Premier League.
The 23-year old’s blistering pace and tough tackling presence make him the ideal player to play out from the back with, and Southgate has shown in the past that he favours doing just that.
The ex-Norwich defender was previously praised by his former manager Daniel Farke for having the ‘potential to captain England’ [talkSPORT] and we’ve certainly seen this season that Farke’s confidence in Godfrey wasn’t misplaced.
Though he hasn’t received a senior call-up on this occasion, Godfrey must be on the edge of Southgate’s mind, with the England boss very active in watching potential debutants in the Premier League.
Godfrey’s form for the Toffees has been wildly impressive, and we’ve no doubt that he’ll soon receive a senior nod – but the player could consider himself unfortunate not to have received it already.
In other Everton news, Ancelotti remains confident that JP Gbamin could play for the Blues this season.