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Everton must use international break for re-boot of season

By Matt Townsend

DONCASTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 30: Sean Dyche, Manager of Everton on the side line during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Doncaster Rovers and Everton FC at The Eco-Power Stadium on August 30, 2023 in Doncaster, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
DONCASTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 30: Sean Dyche, Manager of Everton on the side line during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Doncaster Rovers and Everton FC at The Eco-Power Stadium on August 30, 2023 in Doncaster, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images) /
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There are no Premier League matches this weekend as the club game takes a break for Euro internationals and Everton must use the time to re-start their stuttering season.

The Toffees have had a terrible start to the 2023-24 campaign with just a single point gained from their first four games.

Everton have only scored two goals and conceded eight already. That defensive record does not make for good reading and must be addressed by Sean Dyche.

However, there were some positives to take, particularly from the last match at Sheffield United.

Jarrad Branthwaite is a positive defensively and looked assured and dominant particularly in the air since he has come into the side.

He must now be an automatic choice at centre-back, assuming he is is fit after picking up an injury on England Under-21 duty.

Right-back and captain Seamus Coleman is also back in training, although he still seems a long way from a return to the first-team.

The Blues have also been creating chances since the start of the season, but couldn’t take them without a decent and reliable striker able to score goals.

Beto’s arrival from Udinese just before the end of the summer transfer window, should certainly help solve this problem.

He and Arnaut Danjuma looked a proper threat together up front. The Portuguese striker offers pace, power and is a genuine goal scorer. He also has the ability to bring others into the game.

Danjuma is a skilfull forward and got his first Premier League goal at Brammel Lane. It looks as though there could be the beginnings of a potentially solid strike partnership there.

And, we might also hopefully see other attacking players who are currently injured, return to full fitness by the time the international break concludes.

Dwight McNeil came on late against Sheffield United and last season’s top scorer should be ready to re-claim his place in the team. McNeil’s creativity and goals are certainly needed.

Jack Harrison, signed from Leeds on loan for the season, could also be ready and available after missing the start of the campaign with a hip injury. He will offer another wide attacking option to Dyche.

Finally, we just might see Dominic Calvert-Lewin return again after he sustained a facial injury in the defeat away at Aston Villa.

If so, the Everton manager will have welcome and genuine competition for the centre-forward position, something he has never enjoyed since taking over in January.

When the international break ends the Blues face Arsenal at Goodison Park in a repeat of Dyche’s first game in charge which reulted in a 1-0 win for the Toffees.

A repeat, while unlikely would perhaps kick-start an improved level of performance and better results as it did back in February.

That is desperately needed as time is already beginning to run out for the team to recover.

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