The Euro’s and Everton

The Euros have been full of surprises so far. Royal Vegas’s Euro 2016 facts gave insight into the new layout of the tournament, but little would of predicted what has happened so far. Wales topped England’s group, Portugal have failed to inspire as Hungary headed their group. Northern Ireland sailed through to the last 16, and a last gasp winner from Robbie Brady saw their Republican neighbours follow suit. Although both Irish sides are now out, they can both hold their heads high following a very respectable tournament.

But how have the Everton players at the Euros faired?

John Stones and Ross Barkley were both called up for England by underfire boss Roy Hodgson. However, both are the only outfield England player to yet have played a single minute at the tournament. Smalling and Cahill are Hodgson’s favoured partnership as Stones is continued to be overlooked. That may not be too bad news for Everton however, as any shop window performances may have Chelsea knocking, again.

Ross Barkley’s omission has angered many three lions fans. Barkley was a shining light in what was a very dull season for the Toffees but Jack Wilshere, despite playing just 141 minutes, has been the preferred midfielder, alongside Jordan Henderson. Henderson’s poor set pieces have added fuel to the fire, that and the fact he plays for rivals Liverpool. Regardless of his omission from England’s Euro 2016 campaign, thus far, the youngster will be an important player for Everton next season and will look to flourish under the Ronald Koeman. Both of Everton’s England players are unlikely to be involved for the remainder of the Championships.

The biggest player from Goodison Park at the Euros is undoubtedly Romelu Lukaku. The blues striker, who is still undecided on his future, has starred in all three of Belguim’s group games but hasn’t played a full 90 minutes. The star striker received heavy criticism for his performance in his side’s 2-0 defeat to Italy. The 23-year-old missed a sitter, arguably the best chance of the game, failing to put his side level.

He did, however, make amends with his role in the Red Devils’ win over Ireland, bagging himself a brace. He also performed well in his side’s 1-0 win against Sweden as they sailed into the last 16, although failed to take his opportunities against HungaryDer. Lukaku’s recent media comments suggest that he may be looking to leave Merseyside this summer, however, nothing is certain at this stage. Everton’s appointment of an ambitious Koeman may be able to sway the striker to remain at Goodison, al

Deriving from Group F, James McCarthy has delivered a number of poor performances for Ireland. Despite his country’s qualification, the midfielder is said to be one the more disappointing component’s in Martin O’Neill’s side. The Irishman was poor in his side’s loss against Belgium, and was at fault for the second goal. He lost Axel Witsel giving away that all important second goal. That said, he has started all of Ireland’s games thus far, but has been hauled off in the second-half. Whilst McCarthy may not be a regular for Everton next season, as they look to climb back to the top, he’s certainly not a bad player to have the bench.

Seamus Coleman has also lined up for Ireland and has played every minute for his side so far, even captaining his side. His bursting run forward allowed him to tee up Wes Hoolahan for the opener against Sweden. And despite a difficult afternoon against Belgium, the right-back has delivered competent and consistent performances. Coleman is Everton’s only right-back at the minute, so is a cert start. Koeman will look to have Coleman, and his fellow defensive counterparts, have defence at the forefront of their mind as Roberto Martinez often told them to take risks which ultimately backfired big time. Ireland have subsequently been knocked out, but can have their heads held high after strong performances against Italy and in their untimely defeat to France.

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