By Elliott Cuff

4th May, 2021 | 6:35pm

View: Keane and Godfrey could find additional motivation after UEFA update

Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey have been handed additional motivation to perform for Everton as UEFA confirm the expansion of squads at the upcoming European Championships.

Keane has been in and out of the England set-up over the past few years, with his last call-up to Gareth Southgate’s squad coming against Iceland in November.

Godfrey meanwhile has been tipped by Carlo Ancelotti to become a future England international, with the “really good” defender having impressed throughout his debut season on Merseyside.

UEFA confirmed on Tuesday that they had followed through with plans to extend squads at Euro 2020 from 23 players to 26 players, as reports Sky Sports, allowing for more flexibility in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This means that the Three Lions will now have an additional three spots in their squad to fill, with the deadline for squad submission fast approaching on June 1, though changes can be made after that deadline in cases of serious injury or illness.

Everton have struggled defensive over the past few months, with three of the club’s last four goals conceded come directly from defensive errors, though a quick turn around could put at least one of the central defenders in contention.

Southgate is certain to name Harry Maguire, John Stones and Eric Dier in his squad, assuming the trio are all fit and available, while Tyrone Mings could be included as a left-footed option and Conor Coady as further strength in depth.

However given Wolves’ recent struggles in the Premier League and with three more spots now available, Keane and Godfrey should both feel that if they can perform for the Toffees over the remaining five league games that they could impress Southgate.

Admittedly it does seem like a long shot for the duo, with Keane seemingly down the pecking order in Southgate’s view, while Godfrey hasn’t yet been handed a debut call-up. However stranger things have happened in international football.

Everton are still very much in the race for European football next season and with just five “vital” games remaining they’ll want to make every point count. That will be the club’s sole aim over the next few weeks, and hopefully UEFA’s announcement might just provide Keane and Godfrey with a small amount of additional impetus to perform.

In other Everton news, ‘Quite similar’ – Bundesliga expert likens towering Toffees target to ‘Sensational’ Everton ace.

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