England 'disappointment' fuels Dewsbury-Hall's Everton heroics

Published1 hour ago

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall let his performance do all the talking at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Friday night.

The Everton midfielder endured a disappointing start to his matchday preparations just hours earlier after learning that, despite his impressive performances in recent weeks, he had been overlooked by England manager Thomas Tuchel for this month's Nations League fixtures.

It was a setback for the 28-year-old, who was tipped to earn a place in Tuchel's latest squad but was ultimately left out, with Borussia Dortmund teenager Jobe Bellingham selected instead.

By the end of the night, though, Dewsbury-Hall had every reason to smile.

The midfielder was celebrating alongside the Everton faithful after his thunderous strike helped the Blues to a comeback victory over Coventry City, securing an impressive 3-1 win and lifting them to fifth in the Premier League table.

"It was a disappointing morning, I'm not going to lie. It's a massive dream of mine to play for my country. I know I was close," Dewsbury-Hall told Sky Sports after Everton made it back-to-back Premier League wins.

"[I'm] sad, yeah, but really proud of myself and how I have reacted. All I can keep doing is putting in good performances and hopefully one day I get the nod, because I'm never going to give up."

'I'll keep pushing and pushing'

The wait until the next international break in March will undoubtedly feel like an eternity for Dewsbury-Hall.

But the Everton midfielder is no stranger to taking the long road to success, having experienced plenty of setbacks and detours throughout his career.

He did not make his Premier League debut for boyhood club Leicester City until the age of 22, having spent previous seasons gaining valuable experience out on loan in the English Football League with Luton Town and Blackpool.

Even when his opportunity to establish himself in the Foxes' first team finally arrived, it came during a turbulent period for the club, which ultimately ended in relegation from the Premier League at the end of the following season.

After playing a starring role in Leicester's Championship-winning campaign under Enzo Maresca, the midfielder soon followed the Italian to Stamford Bridge in a deal worth £30m.

However, Dewsbury-Hall struggled for regular game time during his only season at Chelsea, featuring mainly in cup competitions with limited opportunities in the Premier League.

It was only after his move to Everton last summer, at the age of 26, that he appeared to have finally found the right environment to reignite his career and showcase the qualities that made him once such a highly regarded attacking midfielder.

Since the start of last season, Dewsbury-Hall has scored 11 goals for Everton in the Premier League and provided seven assists.

"I'm really, really enjoying it," said Dewsbury-Hall. "I've got a really good hybrid role in this team, where the gaffer is giving me the freedom to pop up all over the pitch."

Tuchel said on Friday afternoon that Dewsbury-Hall had been "very close" to earning a place in his squad, having enjoyed "a very good season" with Everton so far.

"I've got the mentality," added Dewsbury-Hall. "I'll keep pushing and pushing and see what happens."

Barry draws inspiration from TikTok and Haaland

It was not just Dewsbury-Hall who caught the eye against Coventry, with Thierno Barry scoring twice in the space of five minutes at the start of the second half to help Everton come from behind.

By taking his tally for the season into double figures across all competitions, the 24-year-old - who struggled for both form and confidence after joining the Blues from Spanish side Villarreal last summer - has already surpassed the eight goals he scored last season.

In fact, only Erling Haaland, with 14 goals, has scored more in all competitions than Barry's 10 this campaign for David Moyes' side.

Not only is the French forward lighting up Hill Dickinson Stadium with his goals, he is also setting the place alight with his dance moves.

Barry has made a habit of celebrating every goal with some kind of viral dance move - and that was certainly the case on Friday night.

"I was on TikTok yesterday and I saw an NFL guy do the celebration. I said to Tyrique [George] that if we scored tomorrow, we would do the dance like that, but I think he was shy to do it, so I did the dance alone," Barry told Match of the Day.

The former Basel and Villarreal frontman is also drawing inspiration from Haaland as he looks to maintain his impressive goalscoring form.

"I'm very happy because I'm a fan of him," said Barry. "I watch a lot of videos of him and try and do the things he does. If I can play with him until the end to get the Golden Boot, I will try."

Everton win caps landmark night for Moyes

Earlier in the night, Moyes equaled Harry Catterick's record for the most games as Everton manager - with 592 matches each.

The late Catterick managed the Toffees from 1961 to 1973.

"I am proud," Moyes said in Everton's match programme.

"The thought of being the Everton manager who has managed the most games is something I'm very proud of.

"Everton has been huge for me and my family. My son David has gone everywhere and my father has lived it with us as well, watching it all.

"That's so important. What is also so important is that I'll always try to do the right thing for Everton Football Club."

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