Everton duo Godfrey and Davies fail fitness tests with England U21s
Everton duo Ben Godfrey and Tom Davies both failed fitness tests while on international duty with England Under-21s this week, according to Patrick Boyland.
The Athletic journalist reported via his personal Twitter account on Wednesday that neither played featured for Aidy Boothroyd’s side in their final Euro Under-21 Championship match against Croatia.
Although the Young Lions won 2-1 courtesy of goals by Eberechi Eze and Curtis Jones, Croatia’s late strike by Domagoj Bradarić was enough to see Boothroyd’s side fail to qualify from the group stages.
Doubts v Crystal Palace?
Luckily, Everton don’t play until Monday so whatever issues Godfrey and Davies have, they might be able to recover in time for the clash against Crystal Palace at Goodison Park.
Godfrey, 23, has been an ever-present for Carlo Ancelotti this season and has played every minute of each of the last nine Premier League matches.
He’s made 26 appearances in total this term for the Blues with Gary Lineker offering special praise for the defender last month saying he “gets better every game”.
Ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has also been impressed by the former Norwich ace. In February, Carragher told Sky Sports: “I think he was a late signing – £20m from Norwich – and I think he’s a brilliant signing.” [Liverpool Echo]
As for Davies, he’s been in and out of Ancelotti’s side this season so losing him on Monday won’t be as big a blow as Godfrey if neither player is fit enough.
The 22-year-old has played 23 times in all competitions for the Toffees this season and has started just one of the club’s last four Premier League fixtures.
Let’s hope both are fit regardless because Ancelotti needs as big a squad as possible in order to seal a spot in European football for next season.
In other Everton news, scouts have been blown away by this international striker who’s playing in England.
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