Gareth Southgate watches Everton at Goodison Park ahead of England team selection
Gareth Southgate was at Goodison Park on Saturday (11 March) to watch Ivan Toney during Brentford’s 1-0 loss to Everton, according to The Mirror.
The England boss is preparing for the Three Lions’ upcoming European Championship qualifying campaign, which kicks off with a daunting trip to Naples to face Italy.
However, The Mirror suggest Southgate faces a “double dilemma”, with Toney and Kyle Walker both at the heart of recent controversies.
“The Brentford striker is awaiting the outcome of a probe into 232 alleged breaches of FA betting rules, which could lead to a lengthy ban,” they wrote (The Mirror, pg 61, 16 March).
“Manchester City defender Walker faces a police investigation after videos emerged online of him allegedly exposing himself in a bar.”
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Jordan Pickford and Conor Coady will likely be the only Everton players to be picked for the upcoming European qualifiers. Both have been impressive for the majority of the season and would be well-deserving of their places in Southgate’s squad.
James Tarkowski also has a strong case, but it does seem unlikely that the former Burnley man will be picked, considering Southgate’s favourite options at centre half. Dominic Calvert-Lewin would usually be in with a shot, but, once again, his injury problems have severely impacted his chances of a call-up.
For Sean Dyche, he will potentially be pleased that only two of his first-team players will be joining up with the national side. It gives him a chance to get to work with his players on the training ground without the added pressure of consistent Premier League fixtures.
The Toffees now face an extremely tough run with Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United in their next three games.