Jagielka's delight after Stones makes England debut
June 1 2014 Liverpool Echo
By Tom Evans
Blues skipper believes his young team-mates add an 'extra dimension' to Roy Hodgson's squad
Phil Jagielka has revealed his delight after Everton team-mate John Stones made his international debut.
And the Blues skipper says having young talents such as Stones and Goodison favourite Ross Barkley in the squad adds an “extra dimension” to the Three Lions' World Cup hopes.
Jagielka scored in Friday night's 3-0 friendly win over Peru at Wembley and has flown out to Miami with the rest of the England team today ahead of friendlies with Ecuador and Honduras this week.
The national side were cruising to victory when manager Roy Hodgson handed 20-year-old Stones his senior debut with 15 minutes left. And Hodgson was hoping to be given the green light by Everton boss Roberto Martinez for Stones – who is on the stand-by list – to travel to Miami with the rest of the squad today. “It is brilliant for John to have made his debut,” said Jagielka.
“He has been delighted to be part of this set-up and he wasn't even sure if he was going to be on the bench or not on Friday, so to actually come on for your senior debut is fantastic.
“The game had long since finished and he was still smiling. John is a great guy and hopefully there will be many more caps to come. “He has taken this in his stride like Ross. They have both come in to the team and already know a few players and so have settled in right away.
“And the type of players they are the type of attitudes they have got, they just settled in and have done their thing.” Jagielka added: “Having people on the bench like Ross helps give us an extra dimension. “Ross has come on leaps and bounds this season and it was also nice to see John Stones come on against Peru as well. “A lot can happen in a year and you have got to give a lot of credit to the staff and the manager who has taken the plunge and picked these young players. The manager has put a lot of faith in him.” Jagielka won his 25th cap on Friday night and is forging a promising central defensive partnership with Chelsea's Gary Cahill, who was also on the score-sheet at Wembley. “We have a couple of clean sheets together now and in the 12 games we've played alongside each other we've not lost. “So we want to keep that going for as long as possible.” But as pleased as Jagielka was with the win he admits facing Ecuador and Honduras this week in far more demanding temperatures will provide them with a better test ahead of the World Cup in Brazil. “I'm really excited for the World Cup and it is going to be good to test ourselves against more South American teams – and especially in the heat – because they always make it hard for us,” Jagielka said. “It was great to beat Peru but we know full well that the games are going to be different over there with the humidity and the tempo. Playing in those conditions is quite difficult but that is why we are going over to Miami before the tournament starts.
“Slowly and surely we are preparing for Italy in Manaus on June 14. We have had a busy couple of weeks, we played on Friday and though things will calm down a little with regards to training, we still have a couple more games and hopefully everyone will be in peak physical condition and ready to go against Italy.”

Everton FC transfer gossip: Blues face Banega battle, Pardo a midfield option, Maloney monitored, Lukaku lined up for Atletico loan
June 1 2014 Liverpool Echo
By Liverpool Echo
All the latest EFC transfer rumours from around the web
Everton FC are facing a battle on their hands for Argentine midfielder Ever Banega, with Sunderland confident of securing his signature, the Shields Gazette reports.
The 25-year-old has spent the last six months back in Argentina on loan to Newell’s Old Boys, with Valencia apparently keen to cash in. But while Gus Poyet feels confident of landing Banega, the Blues are also said to be interested - and will also face competition from Manchester United.
Another midfielder who could be on his way to Goodison Park is Real Sociedad's young star Ruben Pardo . Football Direct News claims Everton are keen to bring the 21-year-old to Merseyside, beating off interest from Arsenal and Juventus. Pardo has played 35 times for Sociedad this La Liga campaign, scoring three goals and playing a key role in creating 11 goals.
Shaun Maloney, who worked with Roberto Martinez at Wigan, could be set to re-unite with the Spaniard, according to the Express. Martinez is contemplating bidding for the 31-year-old Scottish international. And finally, more Romelu Lukaku news, with the Express claiming in the same story that the Belgian will move to Atletico Madrid on loan as part of the deal to bring Diego Costa to Chelsea.

Why Everton FC boss Roberto Martinez is keen on Scottish players
June 1 2014
By North Wales Daily Post
Toffees boss says his own time in Scotland helped shape him as a manager
Everton FC manager Roberto Martinez believes his brief time in Scotland shaped him as a manager - and his ongoing admiration of the character of Scottish players is still influencing his transfer activity.
Roberto Martinez has signed the likes of James McCarthy, Shaun Maloney, James McArthur and Aiden McGeady during his spells at Wigan and Goodison Park and he is tracking more players from the Scottish Premiership. The former Motherwell midfielder is believed to remain interested in 20-year-old Dundee United left-back Andy Robertson, who made an impressive first start for Scotland during the 2-2 friendly draw with World Cup-bound Nigeria on Wednesday.
Martinez said: “I have been following a lot of youngsters who are showing real potential and I think Scottish football can take advantage of using a lot of young players for the league.
“As a profile in terms of their work-rate, understanding of the game, their focus and desire, I love the Scottish player as a character in any dressing room in the Premier League.”
Roberto Martinez discovered something about his own character when he came through his tough spell at Fir Park during the 2001-02 season. The Spaniard found himself struggling to get a regular start after the man who signed him, Billy Davies, was sacked early in the campaign, and he was then made redundant when the club went into administration towards the end of the season.
The 40-year-old said: “Motherwell was a very good experience because it wasn’t a good experience. It became something different. “I became a stronger person; in football terms it wasn’t a successful story and that is probably where I understood many other areas that unless you go through you will never understand what certain players go through. “As a manager it has helped me immensely. Being able to understand a dressing room undergoing administration was at the time very hurtful but now it has made me the manager I am now. “I met my wife, which was something which changed my life, and overall I fell in love with the Scottish game and the institutions in football clubs which bring incredible memories of European football. “As a whole I really enjoyed Scottish football. It wasn’t a success from a personal point of view at the time but it has become one of the biggest footballing lessons in my development as a manager.” Motherwell went into administration after then chairman John Boyle spent big money on the likes of John Spencer - a purchase from Everton - in a vain attempt to achieve success and boost attendances. After running out of money, they reverted to producing their own players, such as future Goodison forward James McFadden, and the experience helped reinforce the football principles of Martinez. “I always feel there is no excuse for mishandling your football club,” he said. “When you are running a club you are only a custodian and you are dealing with 90, 95, 100 years of history and there is no excuse for putting a club under financial strain. “You need to invest and spend money but always with a clear vision and understanding which can never put the future of the club or the future of the players in doubt.
“I never found an excuse for anyone who has been running a club and allows it to go into negative figures. “There is no room for that and it is not part of the competition, it is not how football should be approached.”

David Moyes says he wasn't given enough time to succeed as Manchester United boss
June 1 2014 Liverpool Echo
By North Wales Daily Post
But former Everton boss insists he learned 'invaluable lessons' while in Old Trafford hotseat
David Moyes said it was “unfortunate” he was not given more time as Manchester United manager but insisted he had benefited from his short spell in charge at Old Trafford.
Moyes, who took over from Sir Alex Ferguson, was sacked in April when he was just 10 months into a six-year contract - but said he had learned some “invaluable lessons” during his time at the club.
The 51-year-old said he had had some “very good” job offers since then, but may choose to take a break from working in football. He said: “I really enjoyed my time at Manchester United. It taught me some invaluable lessons. I’m sure I will benefit from the whole experience.
“I believe I’ll be a much wiser and more knowledgeable coach and manager from the short period I had at Old Trafford.” He told the paper he was “tempted by one or two” of the offers he had had since leaving United. “However, I may still choose to have a break and enjoy watching and observing football throughout the world,” he added. “But what I do know for sure is that I have moved on.”
David Moyes said he believed he would be given more time to implement a revamp at the club and said that players, including Wayne Rooney and Darren Fletcher, had contacted him with messages of support after he left. He also said: “I believe I had nothing but support from Sir Alex during my short period as manager. “When I succeeded him he advised me of some changes that had to be made. I took his advice on board and started to implement the changes and modernise certain aspects. “I also became aware of other changes that were necessary and put plans in place. It was never going to all come together in a few weeks or months.” He added: “It was unfortunate I wasn’t given more time to succeed.”

Arsenal Ladies 2-0 Everton Ladies: Gunners complete FA Cup double with Kelly Smith and Yukari Kinga on target
June 1 2014 Daily Mail
Arsenal Ladies gave coach Shelley Kerr a triumphant send-off by beating Everton 2-0 in the Women's FA Cup final at stadium:mk. Kelly Smith's free-kick put Arsenal in front in the first half and the experienced England star set up Japan international Yukari Kinga for the second shortly after the hour mark. It was a second successive FA Cup title for Arsenal and Kerr, who also guided the club to Continental Cup success last season but recently decided to resign after a poor start to the Women's Super League season. Everton had an early sight of goal when Nikita Parris fired over, but the lone striker was to become an isolated figure as Arsenal quickly took charge.
Everton goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis had to be sharply off her line to prevent Danielle Carter reaching Smith's through-ball - and Brown-Finnis was then relieved to see Rachel Yankey's 20-yard drive crash back off a post after Smith teed up her fellow international veteran.
The opener came when Carter was brought down on the edge of the D by full-back Alex Greenwood and Smith curled home an excellent free-kick, though Brown-Finnis' positioning behind her wall was suspect. Brooke Chaplen and Millie Turner headed over from Everton corners but Carter almost doubled the Gunners' lead when she tackled Greenwood, brilliantly nutmegged her as she got to her feet and ran from halfway before hitting a post from 18 yards out. The first half ended with Brown-Finnis saving on the line at full stretch after Carter bundled the ball goalwards, though the winger clearly handled the ball in the process. Smith became the third Arsenal player to hit the frame of the goal early in the second half, with Brown-Finnis beaten again. Parris' shot was blocked at the other end before Arsenal scored their second. Smith cut into the box from the right and was blatantly blocked off by Gabrielle George, but referee Martin Atkinson played the advantage and she teed up Kinga to sweep home from 15 yards. Kinga's compatriot Shinobu Ohno was denied by Brown-Finnis before Everton's Parris headed just wide. Carter failed to control a dangerous Smith cross, and also saw a header flash wide, while substitute Leah Williamson shot wide from distance. Emma Mitchell hit the crossbar in stoppage time and though Arsenal could not find further goals to reflect their dominance, it was a comfortable win and a fitting end to Kerr's 16-month reign.

Howard perfect mentor for Stones, says Martyn
June 2 2014 Liverool Echo
By Greg O’Keeffe
Former Everton goalie says defender can learn from goalkeeper
Former Everton FC shot-stopper Nigel Martyn believes the Blues have the perfect mentor for John Stones in Tim Howard.
Martyn, 47, who himself helped nurture a young Jonathan Woodgate while at Leeds United, reckons an experienced goalkeeper can have a huge impact on the development of raw starlets like Stones.
The last year has seen the 20-year-old progress spectacularly from Everton’s Under-21s squad into World Cup contention, where he is on standby for the England party heading to Brazil.
Stones capped a fine first full season at Goodison Park by making his England debut in the 3-0 victory over Peru on Friday evening. But despite this meteoric rise, it is easy to forget the former Barnsley youngster has played only 54 senior first-team games combined for the Tykes and Everton so far in his fledgling career. And Martyn says that playing in front of USA international Howard will have helped Stones make the grade even quicker. “Like Tim [Howard] with John Stones, I had that with a very young Jonathan Woodgate at Leeds,” Martyn said. “We had a senior back four at the time with Lucas Radebe and David Wetherall but Jonathan broke into the team when he was very young.
“He was quick which helps because if he did make a mistake he can overturn those errors.
“But if they are keen to learn, a few helpful hints from behind from us goalkeepers can usually get them in the right place. “But if they have got the quality, they will make the grade.”
When Martyn was forced to retire in 2006, Everton recruited Howard from Manchester United – initially on loan – to replace the former England man. The American has since gone on to play nearly 350 games for the Blues, leaving Martyn in no doubt that he has been one of the club’s best signings of the modern era. He added: “I think Tim has been the model of consistency ever since he has followed me into the nets. He just doesn’t seem to make mistakes and he always comes up with big saves. “I know David Moyes said that I was one of his best signings but I think you could say that about Tim because of the amount of years he has played and the consistency he has shown.
“He’s been an excellent signing and player for this club.”

McCarthy makes Blues shirt his own
June 2 2014 Liverpool Echo
By Greg O’Keeffe
Graeme Jones delighted with how midfielder overcome pressure of being flagship signing
James McCarthy had to overcome the pressure of being Roberto Martinez’s flagship signing last summer to become the influential Everywhere Man who has become a Gwladys Street hero, says Graeme Jones. Eyebrows were raised when Martinez returned to former club Wigan for a third recruit shortly after taking over in the Goodison hot-seat last year, especially when the Catalan then paid £13m for the Republic of Ireland midfielder. But assistant boss Jones says he never doubted the 23-year-old would thrive on Merseyside, despite being so closely linked with the DW stadium and Martinez’s former regime. He said: “When you go to a football club as a management team there’s always one player who always gets identified with that management team. We had it at Wigan initially with Jordi Gomez and then here with James McCarthy. “The pressure is on that player more than any other signing because they have come from your former club. “He’s had to get through those hurdles first and then he has gone from strength to strength after that. “So it’s not been easy for James. Out of all the signings, he’s had the most difficult challenge and he has come through that no problem.” McCarthy enjoyed a sparkling debut campaign and narrowly missed out in winning both the club’s Player and Young Player of the Season awards. The midfielder’s industry, both on and off the ball, has particularly caught the imagination of Evertonians. But Jones, 44, explained that he is used to such efforts from McCarthy since he first began to coach him north of the border almost a decade ago. “He has been like that since I met him at 15,” he said. “I’m not kidding you – anybody who knows him knows he is so consistent as a human being. He loves his football.
“If you check his [McCarthy’s] record, he is closing in on 300 games already and he is only 23-years-old.” Jones believes McCarthy has always possessed natural talent but reckons Martinez deserves particular praise for the way he has helped his young charge absorb the nuances and disciplines of playing in central midfield. Jones, who was also Martinez’s number two at both Swansea City and Wigan Athletic, added: “This is not a guy who at 23 is not experienced.
“Physically and technically he always had that ability. “We took him to Wigan with us and the manager has to take a huge pat on the back for the tactical aspect that he has given James. Every other area he had but I think the gaffer, being a former midfield player, has taken James to another level. “I haven’t got a Facebook or Twitter account but I received a copy of the tweet the other day that said two thirds of the world is covered by water and the other third is covered by James McCarthy. I didn’t think it was a bad comment! “You’re always looking for players to improve. But his usual standard to start with would be acceptable. “There are intricacies we can give him to his game which means he can take it to another level. “But the good thing is he always wants to improve so you’ve got a chance.”

World Cup Watch: Blues quartet make slice of England history, Howard keeps clean sheet, Lukaku on target
June 2 2014 Liverpool Echo
By Kristian Walsh
World Cup preparations continue with international friendlies, and there were plenty of Blues featuring
The build-up to World Cup 2014 gathers pace, with the 32 teams competing in Brazil using these final weeks to tweak and tinker ahead of the start of the tournament.
Everton FC's quartet of Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines, Ross Barkley and John Stones secured their own slice of history at Wembley on Friday. The foursome all appeared in England's 3-0 win over Peru - with Jagielka scoring the second from a corner, while Baines started, and Barkley and Stones came off the bench. It was the first time since May 1988 that Everton accounted for four England players in the same game - a 1-0 win over Switzerland. In La Pontaise Olympic Stadium, Gary Stevens, Trevor Steven, Peter Reid and Dave Watson wore the Three Lions.
For the current crop, it represented a good night's work. Jagielka scored his second England goal, while Baines looked solid on the left; Barkley and Stones - making his England debut - impressed from the bench. The international friendlies also brought success for Tim Howard, who kept a clean sheet during his 45 minutes for the United States against Turkey. Howard, the US' number one, was replaced at half time by Brad Guzan with his side 1-0 up. They would go on to win 2-1 thanks to goals from Fabian Johnson and Clint Dempsey. It was Howard's 54th win, putting him above Kasey Keller in terms of most international wins by a US goalkeeper. And Romelu Lukaku, on loan at Goodison Park last season, scored the opener in Belgium's 2-0 win over Sweden in Stockholm. Kevin Mirallas, wearing the 11, was an unused substitute.

Martinez wants Blues' Tartan army
June 3 2014 Liverpool Echo
By David Prentice
Manager says time in Scotland shaped him as a manager and players from north of the border add
Roberto Martinez believes his brief time in Scotland shaped him as a manager – and his ongoing admiration of the character of Scottish players is still influencing his transfer activity.
The Everton manager has signed the likes of James McCarthy, Shaun Maloney, James McArthur and Aiden McGeady during his spells at Wigan and Goodison Park and he is tracking more players from the Scottish Premiership. The former Motherwell midfielder is believed to remain interested in 20-year-old Dundee United left-back Andy Robertson, who made an impressive first start for Scotland during the 2-2 friendly draw with World Cup-bound Nigeria on Wednesday.
Martinez said: “I have been following a lot of youngsters who are showing real potential and I think Scottish football can take advantage of using a lot of young players for the league.
“As a profile in terms of their work-rate, understanding of the game, their focus and desire, I love the Scottish player as a character in any dressing room in the Premier League.”
Martinez discovered something about his own character when he came through his tough spell at Fir Park during the 2001-02 season. The Spaniard found himself struggling to get a regular start after the man who signed him, Billy Davies, was sacked early in the campaign, and he was then made redundant when the club went into administration towards the end of the season.
The 40-year-old said: “Motherwell was a very good experience because it wasn’t a good experience. It became something different. “I became a stronger person; in football terms it wasn’t a successful story and that is probably where I understood many other areas that unless you go through you will never understand what certain players go through. “As a manager it has helped me immensely. Being able to understand a dressing room undergoing administration was at the time very hurtful but now it has made me the manager I am now. “I met my wife, which was something which changed my life, and overall I fell in love with the Scottish game and the institutions in football clubs which bring incredible memories of European football. “As a whole I really enjoyed Scottish football. It wasn’t a success from a personal point of view at the time but it has become one of the biggest footballing lessons in my development as a manager.” Motherwell went into administration after then chairman John Boyle spent big money on the likes of John Spencer – a purchase from Everton – in a vain attempt to achieve success and boost attendances. After running out of money, they reverted to producing their own players, such as future Goodison forward James McFadden, and the experience helped reinforce the football principles of Martinez. “I always feel there is no excuse for mishandling your football club,” he said. “When you are running a club you are only a custodian and you are dealing with 90, 95, 100 years of history and there is no excuse for putting a club under financial strain. “You need to invest and spend money but always with a clear vision and understanding which can never put the future of the club or the future of the players in doubt.
“I never found an excuse for anyone who has been running a club and allows it to go into negative figures. “There is no room for that and it is not part of the competition, it is not how football should be approached.”

Our boys in Brazil: the Everton players on World Cup duty
June 3 2014 Liverpool Echo
By David Triggs, Kristian Walsh
The ECHO profiles the five Blues going for World Cup glory this summer as well as rating their chances of success
With the squads for World Cup 2014 announced and finalised, it was confirmed Everton FC will have a strong five-man presence - with three Blues in the England squad, as well as Kevin Mirallas and Tim Howard representing Belgium and United States respectively.
Leighton Baines (England)
Born: December 11, 1984 in Kirkby
Caps/goals: 23/1
Profile: The superb showings from the Everton left back, along with the sheer consistency of them, sees Baines enter the World Cup as England's first-choice left back. Also played a part in consigning Ashley Cole into international retirement.
Expectation: England have a tough group with Italy and Uruguay to contend with, but Baines' set-piece deliveries could be crucial in tight games. He can also take penalties - you know, just in case...
Phil Jagielka (England)
Born: August 17, 1982 in Manchester
Caps/goals: 25/2
Profile: Jagielka has established himself alongside Gary Cahill as Roy Hodgson's first-choice centre back pairing, and showed his threat from set-pieces with his goal in the friendly against Peru.
Expectation: Hodgson's side will be expected to be organised - clean sheets will prove vital in a group that doesn't look to have many goals in it.
Ross Barkley (England)
Born: December 5, 1993 in Liverpool
Caps/goals: 4/0
Profile: The prodigious midfielder played his way into Hodgson's final 23 after bursting on to the scene this season, with his direct running and physicality expected to be utilised from the bench.
Expectation: Barkley will be limited to substitute appearances to begin with - but he could force the manager's hand if he replicates his form that he displayed under Roberto Martinez.
Kevin Mirallas (Belgium)
Born: October 5, 1987 in Liege
Caps/goals: 44/9
Profile: The Belgian flyer adds cut and thrust to Belgium’s wealth of attacking options, but will probably make do with starting on the bench. He played at the 2008 Olympics but this will be his first World Cup. Expectation: Everybody’s dark horses will be expected to progress through a group featuring Algeria, Russia and the Korea Republic, with Mirallas providing the ammunition for Romelu Lukaku & Co. After that, the Belgians will be a team to avoid but are likely to face Germany or Portugal in the second round.
Tim Howard (United States)
Born: March 6, 1979 in New Jersey
Caps/goals: 99/0
Profile: This will be Howard’s second World Cup as his country’s undisputed number one and his cap count will be into three figures by the time the tournament ends. A safe pair of hands, as Blues fans know. Expectation: There is always at least one “Group of Death” at a World Cup - and the USA are in it. They face Germany, Portugal and Ghana and will do well to make the knockout stages. Howard could be very busy.

Martinez has told Blues fans not to panic as he has already identified his summer targets
June 3 2014 Liverpool Echo
By David Prentice
Martinez explained that he would need SIX new signings in his squad to cope with the increased demands of European football next term
Blues boss Roberto Martinez has told Everton FC fans not to panic as he revealed he has already identified his summer transfer targets. Before the end of last season Martinez explained that he would need SIX new signings in his squad to cope with the increased demands of European football next term. With the futures of last season’s loan signings Romelu Lukaku, Gerard Deulofeu, Gareth Barry and Lacina Traore still unresolved – and no new faces arriving yet, some supporters are becoming edgy. But Martinez has moved to reassure them. “We’ve identified the players, we’ve identified the targets and now it’s about making sure we can get them to join our football club,” he stressed. “It’s very much an important period, but it’s not one where we need to panic. We don’t have to make decisions just to bring numbers into the club.” Martinez insisted that the players he has targeted must be able to fit into the “special” squad spirit he has fostered at the club – and that players would not be targeted simply to bolster numbers. “Recruitment is vital,” he added. “It’s one of those moments of the season where you recollect the good work you’ve done over the last two windows. “The recruitment department have been working tirelessly to get the reports and to highlight the targets and players that are going to fit in our football club. You can imagine it’s a long process. “Everything has to be measured and everything needs to be taken on the understanding that bringing the wrong player into this special group of players that we have could have a very negative effect. “It’s a key period to make the right calls and the right adjustments, but recruitment is going to be vitally important because of the demands of European football. It’s something we want to embrace. We don’t want to feel that we have to blame European football as the reason we cannot keep the standards in our domestic league. “That focus and direction starts now with the recruitment and making sure, before the players come back at the start of the season, they have regenerated and recovered well. “We need to be on top of that and make sure that the new additions are the players we need at the club.” Martinez managed to accumulate a record Premier League points haul in his debut season as Blues boss – and his aim for his second campaign is simple. “It’s a very easy target next season – to try to improve on what we’ve done,” he added. “To improve as a team and how well we can develop competition for places in the side.
“It’s about raising the bar on our daily standards – using the same approach but bringing European football into the campaign, which as you can imagine is going to push us all to give even extra effort and work.” The Blues boss added: “Our vision is to be built on solid foundations and to try and take solid steps to work towards achieving something special. “That something special will depend on how quickly we develop, how well we develop, how good the youngsters are coming through and how long the experienced players can go on. “But as a football club I always look at our fans and with the support that we have I strongly believe anything is possible. “After the season that we had, playing in Europe is exactly what we need to develop.”

Steven Gerrard leads England teammates Glen Johnson, Rickie Lambert, Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka on shopping trip in Miami after rain washes out training session
By Adam Shergold Daily Mail
England's 'warm-weather' training for the World Cup didn't get off to the best of starts on Monday as torrential rain washed out their first training session at Barry University in Miami.
And when the clouds finally cleared, some of the players broke the monotony by taking a stroll round a local shopping mall. Captain Steven Gerrard led the way as he stepped out with Glen Johnson, Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines and Rickie Lambert at the Bal Harbour Shops.They think it's mall over: Captain Steven Gerrard led England team-mates Glen Johnson, Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines and Rickie Lambert on a trip to Bal Harbour shopping centre in MiamiWindow shopping: Johnson and Jagielka share a joke as the group browse what's on offer in the storesSkipper: Gerrard, wearing a tracksuit top, shorts and blue adidas trainers, looks in one of the stores (left) but leaves a sports shop without buying anything (right) They took the time to browse the latest designer trainers in one store but nobody appeared to part with any cash.The group share a Merseyside connection, with Gerrard and Johnson getting to know new signing Lambert a little better after he joined Liverpool from Southampton for £4m.Everton stars Baines and Jagielka were happy to tag along on the shopping expedition as England gear up for two warm-up friendlies against Ecuador on Wednesday and Honduras on Saturday. Had enough? Lambert looks grateful as his team-mates decide to leave a shoe shop (left) and he gets to know Gerrard after completing his move from Southampton to Liverpool They open their World Cup campaign against Italy in Manaus on Saturday week. England touched down in Miami on Sunday but a planned training session to blow away the cobwebs had to be moved indoors after heavy rain marked the beginning of the annual hurricane season.Temperatures still reached 27C and 80 per cent humidity, not far off the conditions they will encounter in Brazil.

Deulofeu and Rafinha strap on the stripes
The Marca
06/03/2014
Rafinha Alcántara and Gerard Deulofeu, who were loaned out to Celta and Everton respectively last season, will form part of the 2014/15 Barcelona squad.Today, Tuesday, they pulled on the shirt which they will wear this coming season and stepped out onto the Camp Nou pitch, the 'Azulgrana' outfit reports.A year after playing together for Barça B, Rafinha and Deulofeu are teammates once again, but this time their lockers are in the first team dressing room.In statements to the club website, Rafinha explained: "I trained here for seven years and coming back is really exciting; it's a challenge."The midfielder knows exactly what he wants: "I hope to learn from these great players." Luis Enrique, who was also his coach at Celta, describes him as a man with "fighting spirit, someone who gives his all to do things right".Meanwhile, Deulofeu said, "I'm very happy. I've really missed this." He also admitted: "I know there's competition and I think that is good."The Barcelona striker's objectives are as follows: "I know the sort of football I can play and I'm going to try to help. I want to win titles and contribute everything I can."

Luis Suarez is now the world's third most expensive footballer at £79million... but Lionel Messi will still cost you DOUBLE
By Nick Harris
Published: 00:01, 4 June 2014 | Updated: 13:02, 4 June 2014
Luis Suarez is now the third most valuable footballer in the world according to an authoritative new report, published today, that rates the Liverpool striker as worth £79million - at least.Only Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, with a ‘starting price’ of £161.5m and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, worth at least £85.2m, are valued more highly in the study, compiled by a Swiss-based expert research centre.The CIES Football Observatory has detailed knowledge of actual prices paid in thousands of transfers to ‘Big Five’ divisions over recent years, and have now published their annual review of players - including ‘market values’.

Stones hungry for more after England call-up
June 5 2014 Liverpool Echo
By Neil Jones
Blues defender still enjoying thrill of first cap
John Stones says his stint training with England in Miami has only made him hungry for more international recognition in the future.
The Blues defender has been on stand-by with Roy Hodgson’s men in the USA as they prepare for the World Cup, but with Phil Jones fit again he is currently set to fly home when the camp ends this weekend. However the 20-year-old says the experiences of the last week, including making his Three Lions debut against Peru at Wembley, have been unforgettable.
“It’s still not sunk in yet,” said the centre-back, who has been kept company by fellow under-study, Liverpool right-back John Flanagan. “I’ll never forget that moment at Wembley and it still feels surreal. “To make my debut two days after my birthday as well topped off the week. It was nice to have the family down and it was a massive day for me. We never would have thought it would have happened so quickly, coming away with the senior squad. “We’re just enjoying every minute of it. It’s nice to see how the senior squad works – it’s all good experience. It’s been really good [in Miami] so far. It’s been humid and we’re just trying to get acclimatised. “The first day was not what we expected – it was banging it down with rain and we had to adapt our training session a bit.
“It’s been such a good experience, we’ll go away and watch the lads from back home.
“But it has given us that hunger to keep on improving and hopefully when that next England squad comes around we’ll get the call.” Stones has become firm pals with Reds right-back Flanagan during their time with the international group. And the Anfield starlet was quick to praise the manner in which his club rival has handled the rapid learning curve. “He handled his own,” said the 21-year-old Flanagan. “I thought he did well, got forward and it was a debut to remember.
“As we’ve seen, young players are getting their chance and those who have come in have taken it with both hands. If I get a chance then hopefully I can take it. Coming away with your country, it doesn’t get much better than that. There are top players from all around the country, so training with them is really good." Stones added: “These are the games we go into and are focusing on ourselves and looking to make improvements to take into the World Cup.
“There are a lot of positive vibes about the camp. “All the lads are focused on the job and what they want to achieve and are taking it a step at a time.”

England v Ecuador: Ross Barkley's thrilling talent gives Roy Hodgson a selection dilemma
Everton youngster is a breath of fresh air with the ball at his feet, but defensive cover remains an issue
By Jason Burt, Miami
June 5 2014 Indepenent
Against Ecuador, England certainly had the wow factor – and not just the shocking horror show that was their defending. There was the sheer excitement of Ross Barkley on the ball. Wowsers, as Joe Hart would say. England were fast and loose; disorganised and reckless as they headed towards their own goal, while the sight of Barkley in possession provided the thrills at the other end.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ran him close with his direct running. Barkley’s showreel moment came early in the second-half as he allowed the ball to run through the legs of defender Jorge Guagua and, after a body swerve, ran across the Ecuador goal to provide Rickie Lambert with the opportunity to score. Barkley has something few England players possess and his contribution heightened the debate as to whether the richly talented 20-year-old should be in the starting line-up.
Certainly someone else who made an impact at a World Cup at a tender age, Michael Owen – 18 at the 1998 World Cup – believes Barkley should be in. “The world is full of too many predictable players and there are not enough of those who have the skill, imagination and ‘wow’ factor,” Owen wrote in his Telegraph Sport column. “England need game-changers”. Barkley is certainly that – even if two moments, one following quickly after the other, summed up the conundrum.
In the first period there was a brilliant, slaloming run as he broke through two tackles using his strength as well as his skill to work his way into the Ecuador penalty area to tee up Oxlade-Chamberlain, whose shot was blocked. But before that Barkley had delayed on the edge of the England box and was outmuscled by Carlos Gruezo – only for Ben Foster to save.
England could have been punished and the moment will have been noted by Roy Hodgson as much as Barkley’s skill. The inclusion of the Everton midfielder in the so-called ‘No 10’ role, the middle of the trio behind striker Lambert, meant that Wayne Rooney was pushed out to the left, where he appeared more effective. Certainly Barkley was better able to fulfil the role behind the striker than Rooney was on Friday against Peru, when he failed to link with Daniel Sturridge and ended up playing far too deep. But what Barkley does not offer is defensive cover and with the England back four so hapless and Jack Wilshere struggling so badly – surely ending any hopes he had of starting in Manaus – they were exposed. Against better opposition there would have been greater punishment, although clearly Hodgson will not be countenancing anything near this line-up when he picks his team to play Italy in England’s opener. But that opens up the argument as to why he felt the need to make so many changes in what was England’s penultimate game before the tournament and also the match against the strongest opposition, with Honduras to come on Saturday.
Nine of the players averaged just 12 caps. Only Rooney from this starting XI can be expected to begin against Italy, although Oxlade-Chamberlain is staking a claim, just as Barkley is. Should Barkley start? He pushed his case hard in what was his first start for his country after four previous appearances amounting to 70 minutes of international football – all at Wembley.
Twice in the opening two minutes he stole possession, unfortunately under-hitting a pass that could have put Rooney through. He was then unfortunate to be ruled offside when he showed great strength in holding off Walter Ayoví inside the Ecuador area. And there was also a superb back-heel into Rooney’s path, only for the striker to stab the ball with his right foot rather than shoot with his left. All were memorable touches. But then there were errors also: he held on to the ball too long and was dispossessed, and then there was a last waft of his leg to surrender possession when England were attacking.

Everton: Kone cancels summer holidays to focus on getting Blues career back on track
June 5 2014 Liverpool Echo
By Greg O’Keeffe
Ivorian striker to remain at Finch Farm and ensure he is in peak condition for pre-season
Arouna Kone has swapped the beach for the training ground in a bid to kick-start his faltering Goodison career. The 30-year-old forward has cancelled his summer holidays in order to remain at Finch Farm and ensure he is in peak condition for pre-season. Kone had been due to fly home and spend time with family in Ivory Coast, but after an injury-ravaged debut campaign on Merseyside he feels he owes it to Roberto Martinez to make sacrifices. The striker, who made only six goal-less appearances last term after a £6m switch from Wigan in July, said: “I’m going to remain here and work really hard over the summer to be ready and hit the ground running in July.
“The most important thing is to be in the best possible shape I can be for next season. That’s why I’ve decided not to go away on a big holiday. “Rather than set myself a figure for how many goals I’ll score I’d rather focus on being available, working hard and giving everything when I’m called upon. “Last season was a non-starter, next season is when it starts. I want to help us achieve everything we can do.” The former Wigan man admits it has been a deeply frustrating 11 months since he followed Martinez from the DW Stadium to Goodison. “As a team we had a fantastic season which for me individually inspires me for next season,” he said. “But on a personal level it certainly hasn’t gone how I’d hoped and when I look back it’s with a bit of pain and regret really. I haven’t played as many games as I would have liked because of this injury and it’s something I hadn’t imagined. “It’s painful to sit in the stands and watch. The lads have played so well but the frustration would be watching, seeing how we always attack and get on the front foot and thinking that would really suit me. “It’s a source of frustration not to have the chance to score goals. Hopefully we can make next season even more successful.” Kone felt he was beginning to regain match fitness before the injury which left him sidelined for the rest of the season against Hull in October. The forward hit the bar with a thunderous close-range strike shortly before a collision which loosened the cartilage in his knee. “I was working hard against Hull and it was frustrating to hit the post and then get injured,” he explained. “I know the fans were still waiting to see the best of me. I felt I was getting into shape and form at that time. Now it’s about hard work and me getting back to top form so the fans can see the best of Arouna Kone. “It will mean an awful lot to me to wear that shirt next season. I haven’t made my mark on Everton’s history yet.
“Although we went down, I was fortunate enough to write my piece in history with Wigan by winning the FA Cup last year. “But last season I didn’t really participate. The season coming is when I prove my worth. I accept that challenge and I’m ready to take it on. I’ll be doing my level best to make sure it’s a success.” The support and reassurance of Martinez during his darkest times has, according to the former Sevilla front-man, been a constant positive for him. “I spent the first three months of my rehab in Belgium and even then the manager was in constant contact, suggesting I keep calm and take my time,” he said. “He said make sure I get better and am fully recovered before I try and come back. When I came back to Merseyside there were a few times I wanted to try and make a comeback and play possibly when I shouldn’t have, and he kept insisting I don’t rush and make matters worse. “His advice and confidence in me has helped in this difficult period. That’s why I’m staying in Europe rather than going back to Ivory Coast. “I will be going back to Belgium for now to the same rehab centre. Then I’ll come back. The team are due back around July 20 but I’ll be back before that to start working hard then.”

David Prentice questions the England boss's appraisal of Everton wunderkind Ross Barkley
June 5 2014 Liverpool Echo
by DavidPrentice
Milner may get England off to an unbeaten start but the Blues hero could actually help them win it
Barkley is better than Hodgson's soundbite We need no introduction in this part of the world to the warped thinking of Roy Hodgson. In no particular order we got Paul Koncheksy, Christian Poulsen, “the second half was as good as I saw a Liverpool team play under my management” – not to mention “Northampton will be formidable opponents”. (He was actually right about that one).
But while it was Reds fans who suffered most under his tactical tyranny, across the park their neighbours have just been given a brief insight. Ross Barkley enjoyed a bright full England debut on Wednesday. The Everton wunderkind lost possession on a handful of occasions, but created a goal for Rickie Lambert with the kind of penetrating run and pass which illuminated Goodison Park on so many occasions last season.
Roy’s reaction?
“He lost the ball an awful lot of times as well. I think he needs to learn when he can turn with the ball and when he has to keep the ball. If he’s going to be the player we want him to be he has to make better decisions of when he turns with the ball.” Roy clearly doesn’t bother with Opta stats. Barkley’s pass completion against Ecuador was 91 per cent. Hodgson added: “There were other performances out there today. “Oxlade-Chamberlain and Phil Jones were outstanding, as was Jack Wilshere in the middle of the park. I thought Wayne Rooney played very, very well.”
Cobblers. Just like his assessment of League Two sides. It’s all about opinions. I didn’t think Wilshere was outstanding. I didn’t think Rooney played “very, very well”. And I don’t have the same suspicion of English footballers who can do something different. The peerless Martin Samuel summed it up succinctly this week when he said: “In the end, it will boil down to a battle between roundheads and cavaliers. At World Cups, it always does.” Then he produced a staggering statistic to back up his argument. “In making his most recent appearance for England, James Milner passed the number of caps earned by Matt Le Tissier, Alan Hudson, Rodney Marsh, Stan Bowles, Tony Currie and Peter Osgood. Put together.” Half a dozen of the most gifted Englishmen to grace a football field won less caps than James Milner. Or Phil Neville. In international football, as in domestic warfare, the roundheads always win. England managers have a perennial suspicion of players who can do something different. They always have. Alan Hudson was a maverick midfielder handed his debut against world champions West Germany in 1975. By popular concensus he ran the show. England won 2-0, demolished Cyprus 5-0 in Hudson’s second match – then was never picked again.
Hodgson is not Don Revie.
After all he has introduced Barkley to international football, but still seems reluctant to trust him.
Bobby Robson endured the same dilemma ahead of Italia ’90. With Bryan Robson set to miss a crucial qualifier against Poland in 1989, Bobby openly talked about calling up Millwall’s, let’s be kind and say ‘combative’, Terry Hurlock. Robson had already jettisoned Glenn Hoddle – and was still torn over the claims of Paul Gascoigne. He eventually went with Gazza. It didn’t turn out too badly, did it? We all know we’re not going to win the World Cup.
So why not try and win a few games? Why not go down all guns blazing rather than grinding nil-nils with Algeria and scraping one-nils against Slovenia? England’s opening match against Italy already has nil-nil written all over it, with half of the population asleep before the final whistle.
Why not throw in a live hand grenade in the shape of a Barkley or a Raheem Sterling?
Italy haven’t won in seven matches now – and drew with Luxembourg on the same night that Barkley was underwhelming Roy.
James Milner would help England get off to an unbeaten start in their opening game next Saturday.
Ross Barkley may actually help them win it.
School of Science ,,, and literature
Leighton Baines
Footballers do read more than just badly spelled text messages.
And Everton full-backs seem to have more varied tastes than most.
Leighton Baines revealed last week: “Roy Hodgson caught me with a Murakami book. He’s a big Murakami fan and we had a good chat about that. He tends to collar me and see what I’m reading and I have a sneaky peak of what he’s reading now and again.” Murakami is a Japanese author who writes surrealistic and nihilistic fiction often marked by Kafkaesque rendition of themes of loneliness and alienation. I can’t comment because I’ve never read him. But I have read some of Bainesy’s predecessor’s favourites. And Everton full-backs don’t do mainstream. When I was a regular on the Blues beat, Andy Hinchcliffe regularly tried to convince me that Jack Kerouac should become my bedtime reading. While several years after he left the club, Matt Jackson – an engaging and articulate player who I hadn’t seen for years – came bowling over at a testominial dinner to offer me thanks. I was puzzled. “Thanks for a gushing tribute article?” “Thanks for a particularly positive description of his Blues career?” No. He wanted to thank me for recommending James Ellroy, the demon dog of American crime literature to him. You’re in good company, Leighton.

Martinez: We can challenge on four fronts next year
June 5 2014 Liverpool Echo
By Greg O’Keeffe
Blues boss insists his players will relish the prospect of competing in four competitions when the new season begins
Everton FC are ready and waiting to tackle the hectic challenge of European and domestic football next term, says Roberto Martinez. The Blues boss insists his players will relish the prospect of competing in four competitions when the new season begins, and is already excited about the club’s continental return. Martinez will guide the Toffees into the 2014/15 Europa League after a five-year absence from involvement in European action. They will be joined by clubs such as Sevilla, Fiorentina, Dynamo Kiev, Inter Milan and Wolfsburg, but Martinez believes the demands of shining in Europe and building on last season’s fifth-place Premier League finish are not beyond his men.
He said: “I am aware of the demands and I think it’s important that we are aware – but that’s what we wanted. “We do want to put ourselves under massive pressure in terms of performing week in week out in every competition that we are involved in. “We need to be a team who can cope with those expectations and demands in European football and I have always said that as long as we embrace it, prepare well and give everything we have got, I know that our fans will support us whatever the outcome is. “That’s a big advantage we have and it comes as a consequence of a very good season. Now we need to build on that and the best possible way is pushing ourselves even further, and to do that you need the European challenge.” Although it will be the first time the Catalan has managed a club in the Europa League, he is already confident he can help his side to make a major impression in the tournament. I think we are ready for it – I do believe that it arrives at the right time,” Martinez said. “It feels like a real achievement and it’s not like we got European qualification through the back door as a consequence of being fortunate. “We worked really hard. We wanted to finish in the top four but we just missed out. But we had the right numbers – 72 points would have guaranteed Champions League in eight out of the last 10 seasons.
“So we are very excited and the young players will be looking forward to experiencing that for the first time. “The experienced players, I think they are ready to be tested and be part of a very demanding season. “So, all in all, as a football club we are ready to travel around Europe and show how far we can go.” Everton have automatically qualified for the group stage of the Europa League, meaning at least six fixtures on a Thursday evening before Christmas. An extended run in the Capital One Cup too would see the Blues playing twice most weeks throughout the first half of the season, meaning that Martinez will have a busy schedule in which to prove that his side can thrive on all fronts.

Roberto Martinez: Everton will be able to cope with European pressure
June 6 2014 Liverpool Echo
By Greg O’Keeffe
The Blues boss says his side are ready and waiting to tackle the hectic challenge of European and domestic football next term
Everton are ready and waiting to tackle the hectic challenge of European and domestic football next term, says Roberto Martinez. The Blues boss insists his players will relish the prospect of competing in four competitions when the new season begins, and is already excited about the club’s continental return. Martinez will guide the Toffees into the 2014/15 Europa League after a five-year absence from involvement in European action. They will be joined by clubs such as Sevilla, Fiorentina, Dynamo Kiev, Inter Milan and Wolfsburg, but Martinez believes the demands of shining in Europe and building on last season’s fifth-place Premier League finish are not beyond his men.
He said: “I am aware of the demands and I think it’s important that we are aware – but that’s what we wanted. “We do want to put ourselves under massive pressure in terms of performing week in week out in every competition that we are involved in. “We need to be a team who can cope with those expectations and demands in European football and I have always said that as long as we embrace it, prepare well and give everything we have got, I know that our fans will support us whatever the outcome is. “That’s a big advantage we have and it comes as a consequence of a very good season. Now we need to build on that and the best possible way is pushing ourselves even further, and to do that you need the European challenge.” Although it will be the first time the Catalan has managed a club in the Europa League, he is already confident he can help his side to make a major impression in the tournament. “I think we are ready for it – I do believe that it arrives at the right time,” Martinez said. “It feels like a real achievement and it’s not like we got European qualification through the back door as a consequence of being fortunate. “We worked really hard. We wanted to finish in the top four but we just missed out. But we had the right numbers – 72 points would have guaranteed Champions League in eight out of the last 10 seasons.
“So we are very excited and the young players will be looking forward to experiencing that for the first time. The experienced players, I think they are ready to be tested and be part of a very demanding season. “So, all in all, as a football club we are ready to travel around Europe and show how far we can go.” Everton have automatically qualified for the group stage of the Europa League, meaning at least six fixtures on a Thursday evening before Christmas.
An extended run in the Capital One Cup too would see the Blues playing twice most weeks throughout the first half of the season, meaning Martinez will have a busy schedule in which to prove his side can thrive.

World Cup 2014: Ross Barkley can still improve according to Roy Hodgson
June 6 2014 Liverpool Echo
By Greg O’Keeffe
The England manager believes the 20-year-old Everton midfielder needs to improve his decision-making despite impressing against Ecuador
Ross Barkley must improve his decision-making despite a bright showing for England against Ecuador, warned Roy Hodgson. The 20-year-old Blues midfielder was handed his first international start in Miami on Wednesday night and marked it with an impressive assist, as he surged forward from the halfway line before passing to Rickie Lambert, who in turn drove the ball into the bottom corner. However, his international manager was later quick to underline the areas where he feels Barkley must improve if he is to fulfil his undoubted potential, and refused to be drawn on whether he would select the Wavertree-born player to start against Italy when England’s World Cup campaign begins. “There always seems to be an enormous obsession with one player,” he told reporters. “I will be prepared to start any of the players in any game but I’m not prepared to address your obsession with Ross Barkley. “If he’s going to be the player we want him to be, he has to make better decisions when he turns with the ball. “That’s not a criticism but there were other performances out there today. (Alex) Oxlade-Chamberlain and Phil Jones were outstanding, as was Jack Wilshere in the middle of the park, while Rickie Lambert scored a magnificent goal.
“But the one thing we can certainly state is that he came into the game on his first start for England as a 20-year-old. “He’s going to get a lot of good press and I am pleased for him in that respect.”
England’s World Cup preparations continue as they take on Honduras tomorrow before flying to Brazil ahead of their opening Group D match against on June 14. And ex-England manager Glenn Hoddle, who was a pundit for ITV’s coverage of the Ecuador game, feels that the Barkley is capable of taking his club form on to the biggest stage. “I think he (Barkley) has got a really bright future,” said Hoddle who represented England at the World Cups of 1982 and 1986. “How he has developed under Martinez, the next three or four years are going to be key. “When you have players like him and (Adam) Lallana that excites me. “If you get the right shape and the right balance in midfield, I think this kid could go on and be a major force for England. “He looks quite relaxed – he looks as though he is playing for England as he does his club side and that’s really good for a youngster. That’s the key to international football.” ESPN commentator Craig Burley was another impressed by Barkley’s display, and puzzled by Hodgson’s churlish response. The former Scotland international tweeted afterwards: “Worrying for England when Roy Hodgsons perspective of Ross Barkley was he was sloppy in possession. Opta stats say 91% completion. Mmmmm’.”

Mersey World Cup memories: Eusebio lights up Merseyside
Jun 06, 2014 13:08
By Kristian Walsh
With just six days to go until the World Cup, the ECHO continues a daily countdown of memorable moments and matches from the biggest football competition on the planet
The Daily Post had given Portugal plenty of warning on the day of the game.“[They] must guard against over-confidence in their World Cup quarter final with North Korea at Goodison Park,” it read.The home of Everton FC had offered a stage to some moments that would go down in World Cup history. Pele and friends came, saw, and were kicked out of World Cup 1966 at the group stage.But the brutality the Brazilians faced only masked the fine performances of Portugal – admittedly one of Pele's antagonists – in the opening three games.Portugual, with their talisman Eusebio, won all three games – two of them at Goodison – with Eusebio bagging three.Nearly 150 miles further north at Middlesbrough's Ayresome Park, North Korea had become the tournament's surprise team. As 1000/1 outsiders at the start of the World Cup, and with a strain in diplomatic relations between Britain and North Korea, there wasn't much down for Rye-Hyun Myung's men.The North Koreans had entered England as enigmas, but the veil of mystery was soon tossed aside with a 3-0 defeat against the Soviet Union. However, a late draw against Chile and a surprise 1-0 win over Italy made them the unlikeliest of quarter finalists.Portugal – now one of the tournament favourites – awaited them at Goodison Park.The Post could not deny Portugal's quality, but gave North Korea a sniff of an almighty upset: “They should win by a large margin, but the Koreans cannot be taken for granted,” it read. “Superbly fit and bubbling with confidence, they [Portugal] qualified from Group Four, on merit, and they themselves cannot see why they should not go on to Wembley.”It continued: “The Koreas are small, but very persistent, play for 90 minutes and will almost certainly pounce on any lapses in the Portugal defence.”Eusebio makes it 4-3 Eusebio makes it 4-3How prophetic that proved to be. The 40,248 fans present witnessed North Korea take the lead in the opening 60 seconds, before racing into a 3-0 lead after 25 minutes.Jack Rowe, in the match report, wrote: “In that time I reckoned the North Koreans had launched about half a dozen attacks and they yielded three goals – good ones let it be said – but it seemed a visit to fantasia that in such a short time we were faced with the possibility that the team which had beaten the Hungarians and the Brazilians were on the verge of giving us the biggest sensation of this or any other World Cup.”Enter Eusebio, the Black Panther, to fire himself into history. Only four players had previously notched four in a World Cup game, but the striker would do likewise. “I could not escape the conclusion,” Rowe wrote, “that the Portuguese had not lost faith in their ability.”The Goodison crowd had been firmly behind the underdogs, but had little choice but to applaud what was unfolding before them. He first latched on to a through ball and swept home, and then hammered in a penalty just before half time to make it 3-2.His hat trick, and Portugal's equaliser, came at the Park End with a well-taken finish across the goalkeeper, before another converted penalty made it four before the hour. Less than 35 minutes after falling 3-0 down, the Portuguese were 4-3 up.“In the finish, even they had to admit by their applause that this man Eusebio was a man apart,” wrote Rowe.Too true. Aside from England winning the World Cup on home soil, this was the World Cup of Eusebio – a player who had blistering speed, and somehow married that with wonderful technique when striking the ball, evident in these four goals, whether from the spot on in open play. He would end the tournament as top scorer with nine goals.North Korea's downfall was surmised wonderfully by the Post. “Where they fell down was in giving Eusebio too much room. You can't do this with a player who is among the greatest in the world.”Quite. Portugal would go on to win 5-3, but would be downed by England in the semi finals - a game that should have taken place in L4, but was moved to Wembley.
For Eusebio, his legacy was cemented, his place among the game's greats assured forever.

More Mersey World Cup memories:
Number 7: Crouch goes from freak to favourite in Germany
Number 8: Bjornebye and Leonhardsen down Brazil
Number 9: Alexandersson strengthens Swedish stronghold over England
Number 10: Aldo reaches boiling point - and nets crucial goal v Mexico
Number 11: Reds meet Blues in 2010 final
Number 12: Superb Souness proves a point in 1978
Number 13: Bilic faces backlash after Blanc sees rouge for France
Number 14: Gerrard and Howard lock horns in the South African heat
Number 15: Tim Cahill makes history for the Socceroos
Number 16: The forgotten Goodison semi-final
Number 17: Laurie Hughes and the Miracle on Grass
Number 18: Kevin Sheedy scores the goal of his life - and heaps misery on McMahon
Number 19: When El-Hadji Diouf sent Reds fans into a summer frenzy
Number 20: Pele's Samba stars humbled at Goodison

SOCCER LINES: Everton want Spartak ace, Leeds owner gives Cagliari deal collapse update
EVERTON and West Brom are in a £9m fight for Spartak Moscow ace Yura Movsisyan, 26.
By Gary Jones/Published 6th June 2014
LEEDS owner Massimo Cellino has assured fans the Yorkshire club won't be affected by the collapse of a £65m deal to sell his Serie A side Cagliari.NORWICH have completed the signing of Bournemouth striker Lewis Grabban, 26, on a three-year deal.SWITZERLAND defender Philippe Senderos, 29, has agreed to join Aston Villa on a two-year deal. He will sign on a free transfer after the World Cup.QPR are plotting a move for £2m Southampton defender Jose Fonte, after previous target Ashley Williams opened talks over a new Swansea contract.GORDON Strachan's son Gavin is following in his dad's footsteps after being appointed first-team coach at Peterborough under Darren Ferguson - son of Sir Alex.

Champions League team - Former Man Utd boss David Moyes
DAVID MOYES wants to get back into management with a Champions League club - after turning down job offers since his Manchester United nightmare.
By Jeremy Cross/Published 6th June 2014
The Scot is on holiday in Florida considering his next move as he comes to terms with United's decision to sack him after less than a season in charge.But he is convinced he is still a top boss and says his experience at Old Trafford will only make him stronger.Moyes said: "I have had a couple of opportunities to go back in and chosen not to do anything just now."I am going to try and look for what I feel is the right opportunity. I would like to think I proved myself over the 11-year period at Everton of what I am capable of and the level I want to manage at. “I got my real first taste of the Champions League this year and I thought I showed I can manage at that level as wel” David Moyes
"I got my real first taste of the Champions League this year and I thought I showed I can manage at that level as well."I would like to look towards getting somewhere that would give me a chance of being in the Champions League or a club that has ambitions of being in the Champions League."I will use United as an important experience in my managerial career. I feel I needed more time, but I will use it and use it to benefit me and help me in the coming jobs."

Blues handling of Deulofeu could prime them for Barca link, says Cruyff
Jun 06, 2014 22:42
By Greg O’Keeffe
Everton FC's impressive handling of Gerard Deulofeu has put them in pole position to loan future Barcelona wonder-kids, says Jordi Cruyff. The skilful winger did enough during his season-long Goodison spell to earn promotion to the first team squad at Camp Nou next term, and even receive his first international cap last month.And Cruyff, whose father Johan famously transformed the Catalan club into one of the world’s biggest, reckons the Blues could now benefit from borrowing future rising Barca stars.He said: “We will see how he gets on at Camp Nou but the fact Barca have taken him back is a big compliment to the player and the management team at Everton.“Deulofeu came to a very different league and adapted to a different style of play.“If he does well this season I’m sure Barca will see even further the benefits of loaning more players to Everton.”Former Manchester United and Barcelona midfielder Cruyff, now sporting director of Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv, believes Deulofeu has built on his reputation during nine months under the tutelage of his friend Roberto Martinez.But he insists the 20-year-old faces a tough task in securing regular first team football for Luis Enrique’s side in La Liga next season.“Will he play a lot? You never know at Barcelona,” he said.“It’s a club that is not only about talent, it’s about having strong shoulders to handle the pressure on you.“It’s not just winning games either – it matters deeply how you win. It’s a special club – a really fantastic team but it can also be a difficult club to be successful at.“Deulofeu has Barca in his blood, but it’s not easy. Good luck to him trying to get in that team with all the attacking players they have.”Everton are likely to utilise the loan market again this summer, after Martinez engineered successful temporary deals for Gareth Barry, Romelu Lukaku and Deulofeu last year.The Blues boss will hope to try and lure at least two of that trio back to Merseyside next season, however Cruyff believes Everton could eventually become victims of their own success in the loan market.“It’s interesting because the more successful you are with loan players the more you grow,” he mused. “Then maybe the parent clubs will think, ‘Wait a minute these are our rivals. They’re in the same league so we better not loan them players’.“Although you must also consider that other clubs can rely on their loan players not being allowed to play against them, and they know they will help (Everton) take points off other sides they’re fighting against. It can go two ways.”

Everton FC can keep raiding Barcelona for loan wonder-kids
Jun 07, 2014
By Greg O’Keeffe
Jordi Cruyff says Toffees' handling of Gerard Deulofeu will strengthen relationship with Catalan giants
Everton FC’s impressive handling of Gerard Deulofeu has put them in pole position to loan future Barcelona wonder-kids, says Jordi Cruyff.The skilful winger did enough during his season-long Goodison spell to earn promotion to the first-team squad at Camp Nou next term, and even receive his first international cap last month.And Cruyff, whose father Johan famously transformed the Catalan club into one of the world’s biggest, reckons the Blues could now benefit from borrowing future rising Barca stars.He said: “We will see how he gets on at Camp Nou but the fact Barca have taken him back is a big compliment to the player and the management team at Everton.“Deulofeu came to a very different league and adapted to a different style of play.“If he does well this season I’m sure Barca will see even further the benefits of loaning more players to Everton.”Cruyff, now sporting director of Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv, believes Deulofeu has built on his reputation during nine months under the tutelage of his friend Roberto Martinez.But he insists the 20-year-old faces a tough task in securing regular first team football for Luis Enrique’s side in La Liga next season.“Will he play a lot? You never know at Barcelona,” he said. “It’s a club that is not only about talent, it’s about having strong shoulders to handle the pressure on you.”Everton are likely to utilise the loan market again this summer, after Martinez engineered successful temporary deals for Gareth Barry, Romelu Lukaku and Deulofeu last year.However, Cruyff believes Everton could eventually become victims of their own success in the loan market.“It’s interesting because the more successful you are with loan players the more you grow,” he added. “Then maybe the parent clubs will think, ‘Wait a minute, these are our rivals. They’re in the same league so we better not loan them players’.“Although you must also consider that other clubs can rely on their loan players not being allowed to play against them, and they know they will help (Everton) take points off other sides they’re fighting against. It can go two ways.”

Everton FC fans can roar Toffees on in Europa League
Jun 07, 2014 07:00
By Greg O’Keeffe
Jordi Cruyff has heard about Goodison atmosphere from pal Roberto Martinez and says it will be key Jordi Cruyff reckons Goodison Park can be a key asset for Everton FC as they bid to make their mark on Europe next season.The former Barcelona and Manchester United midfielder has received glowing reviews about the Old Lady from his best friend Roberto Martinez.And Cruyff, who guided Maccabi Tel Aviv through an impressive Europa League campaign last season, is convinced home comfort will help the Blues flourish in what will be a hectic coming campaign.“Everton are a very highly respected club across Europe,” says the 40-year-old. “A lot of teams will come to Goodison with extra motivation.“The Premier League is the place to be and many players will come there and give 200% because you never know what happens in the future if you stand out.“But on the other hand when you play at Goodison you can get sucked into the atmosphere, the enthusiasm of the fans and some teams will come with a lot of respect which can work in Everton’s advantage. It depends on the draw.“Goodison can be a real plus. If you face a big club who also have passionate fans then their players are used to it, but if they are not they may find it daunting.”Last summer Cruyff said that the Blues had made a wise appointment when they lured the former Wigan manager to Merseyside.And he is thrilled that the man who is godfather to his son has been such a hit during his debut season in the Toffees’ hot-seat.“In football the only thing you can do is give 100%,” he says. “Circumstances can make things work negatively or positively and this year they have worked very nicely.“As Roberto’s friend I am very pleased and as a football fan I’m even more pleased to see his style of play be so successful.“I’ve known him for a long time and he has always had this clear vision for how football should be played.“All his life he has tried to impose that philosophy and now he is the big boss he can implement that direction.“It’s nice to see.“I’ve watched a lot of Everton games and the players have coped well with the transition. It’s fun to watch and also to see them getting positive results is even better.“The chemistry was certainly there between the players. You can see they have taken the philosophy on board and they firmly believe in what they are doing, which is clearly important.“Now they have added games with the Europa League and the calendar gets a bit more squeezed. Roberto will know he has to regroup.”Martinez will, of course, face the oncoming challenge with his usual reserves of boundless optimism – an approach which comes as no surprise to Cruyff.“He has always taken the positives from any situation – that’s just how he is,” he says. “He’s that kind of guy, someone who believes in his players, in himself and in his strategy.”One thing which does surprise Cruyff is the attention Martinez has received from the royal blue faithful for his snappy dressing.The Catalan’s sharply-tailored coats and brown leather brogues have further endeared him to fashion-conscious Scousers, but a slightly bemused Cruyff says: “He has his way.“He has a good sense of humour and while I’ve never discussed his fashion with him I’m not surprised he is making a good impression on every front.”Either way, the Dutchman says his pal will have more pressing matters on his mind this summer than his wardrobe.“Managers never have a calm time,” says the man who has just helped his own club to their second Israeli premier league championship in a row.“When everyone thinks the season has finished and you can put your feet up and relax, the manager keeps going. He is always thinking how to improve the team.“I’m sure every moment he is spending on his laptop reading scouting reports or talking on his phone.“The Europa League will mean even more work for everyone.“Everyone tries to find the right way to handle the extra games. It’s more tiring and there is a lot of travelling.“The challenge is to keep working in the Premier League while also showing good things in Europe.“It’s not easy. Some big clubs have suffered trying to do it. But I’m sure Roberto has his strategy and will be working on it as we speak. It’s tough but enjoyable.”And Cruyff has a final message for another Everton employee destined for a busy summer.Like everyone else in world football he has been impressed by Ross Barkley’s rise.He hopes the 20-year-old thrives for England in Brazil, but equally insists he is in the right place to flourish for the long-term at Goodison.“He is an exciting talent and there are a lot of them at Everton,” he says. “Let’s see how he goes.“When you are that young the best thing is to not think about the future and where you will be in a few years time, but to focus on your daily work. It’s better to be a doer than a thinker.“Ross must keep trying to improve himself and he is under the right manager to do that.”

Goodison crowd can roar Everton on to European success - Cruyff
Jun 07, 2014 08:00
By Greg O’Keeffe
Former Barcelona and Manchester United midfielder has received glowing reviews about Old Lady from his best friend Roberto Martinez
He has heard all about the intimidating cauldron of noise which can render opposition teams helpless.And Jordi Cruyff reckons Goodison Park can be a key asset for Everton FC as they bid to make their mark on Europe next season.The former Barcelona and Manchester United midfielder has received glowing reviews about the Old Lady from his best friend Roberto Martinez.And Cruyff, who guided Maccabi Tel Aviv through an impressive Europa League campaign last season, is convinced home comfort will help the Blues flourish in what will be a hectic coming campaign.“Everton are a very highly respected club across Europe,” says the 40-year-old. “A lot of teams will come to Goodison with extra motivation.“The Premier League is the place to be and many players will come there and give 200per cent because you never know what happens in the future if you stand out. “But on the other hand when you play at Goodison you can get sucked into the atmosphere, the enthusiasm of the fans and some teams will come with a lot of respect which can work in Everton’s advantage. It depends on the draw.“Goodison can be a real plus. If you face big club who also have passionate fans then their players are used to it, but if they are not they may find it daunting.”Last summer Cruyff told the ECHO that the Blues had just made a wise appointment when they lured the former Wigan manager to Merseyside.And he is thrilled that the man who is godfather to his son has been such a hit during his debut season in the Toffees hot-seat.“In football the only thing you can do is give 100per cent,” he says. “Circumstances can make things work negatively or positively and this year they have worked very nicely.“As Roberto’s friend I am very pleased and as a football fan I’m even more pleased to see his style of play be so successful.“I’ve known him for a long time and he has always had this clear vision for how football should be played.“All his life he has tried to impose that philosophy and now he is the big boss he can implement that direction.“It’s nice to see.“I’ve watched a lot of Everton games and the players have coped well with the transition. It’s fun to watch and also to see them getting positive results is even better.“The chemistry was certainly there between the players. You can see they have taken the philosophy onboard and they firmly believe in what they are doing which is clearly important.“Now they have added games with the Europa League and the calendar gets a bit more squeezed. Roberto will know he has to regroup.”Martinez will, of course, face the oncoming challenge with his usual reserves of boundless optimism – an approach which comes as no surprise to Cruyff.“He has always taken the positives from any situation – that’s just how he is,” he says. “He’s that kind of guy, someone who believes in his players, in himself and in his strategy.”One thing which does surprise Cruyff is the attention Martinez has received for his snappy dressing among the royal blue faithful.The Catalan’s sharply-tailored coats and brown leather brogues have only further endeared him to fashion-conscious scousers, but a slightly bemused Cruyff says: “He has his way.
“He has a good sense of humour and while I’ve never discussed his fashion with him I’m not surprised he is making a good impression on every front.”Either way, the Dutchman says his pal will have more pressing matters than his wardrobe on his mind this summer.“Managers never have a calm time,” says the man who has just helped his own club to its second Israeli premier league championship in a row.“When everyone thinks the season has finished and you can put your feet up and relax, the manager keeps going. He is always thinking how to improve the team.“I’m sure every moment he is spending on his laptop reading scouting reports or talking on his phone.“The Europa League will mean even more work for everyone.“Everyone tries to find the right way to handle the extra games. It’s more tiring and there is a lot of travelling.“The challenge is to keep working in the Premier League while also showing good things in Europe.“It’s not easy. Some big clubs have suffered trying to do it. But I’m sure Roberto has his strategy and will be working on it as we speak. It’s tough but enjoyable.”And Cruyff has a final message for another Everton employee destined for a busy summer.Like everyone else in world football he has been impressed by Ross Barkley’s rise.He hopes the 20-year-old thrives for England in Brazil, but equally insists he is in the right place to flourish for the long-term at Goodison.“He is an exciting talent and there are a lot of them at Everton,” he says. “Let’s see how he goes.“When you are that young the best thing is to not think about the future and where you will be in a few years time, but to focus on your daily work. It’s better to be a doer than a thinker.“Ross must keep trying to improve himself and he is under the right manager to do that.”

Everton FC transfer gossip: Lukaku wants to leave Chelsea, Vucinic on radar, Movsisyan wants England move, MK Dons youngster scouted
June 7 2014 Liverpool Echo
By Liverpool Echo
All the latest EFC rumours from around the web
Everton FC's pursuit of Romelu Lukaku has been boosted with news of the Belgian wanting to leave Chelsea.
The Telegraph reports Lukaku has told Chelsea he wants to quit this summer after the Stamford Bridge club bought £32m Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid. The Blues want to bring Lukaku to Goodison Park on a permanent basis, but he's also wanted by Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Tottenham. Reports in Italy have also linked Everton with a move for Juventus striker Mirko Vucinic.
According to Italian newspaper Tuttosport, the Blues will battle Spurs for the 30-year-old's signature.
The Bianconeri are looking to offload the Montenegrin international after having only featured as a peripheral squad member during their record-breaking Scudetto winning campaign last season.
The Blues are also looking to the future, with the Daily Mail reporting they are interested in MK Dons central midfielder Brendan Galloway. The England Under-19 international, who can also play in defence, was named the League One apprentice of the year last season. It is believed it would take £4m to bring him to Goodison Park. And finally, another striker potentially on his way to Everton is Spartak Moscow's Armenian international Yura Movsisyan. According to Tribalfootball, Everton have watched him in action - as well as Tottenham and West Bromwich Albion. "I've heard there may be some interested teams in England and Germany," Movsisyan told Sky Sports. "Let's see if that is serious or not."

Mersey World Cup memories: Labone almost sheds a stone alongside Moore against Brazil
June 7 2014 Liverpool Echo
By Kristian Walsh
With just five days to go until the World Cup, the ECHO continues a daily countdown of memorable moments and matches from the biggest football competition on the planet
Mersey World Cup memories no.5: Labone almost sheds a stone to make up for lost time alongside Moore England's 1-0 defeat against Brazil at World Cup 1970, played in a temperature touching nearly 100 degrees, is memorable for moments of defensive majesty. There is Gordon Banks, sprawling to his right-hand side, clawing over Pele's header, somehow managing a firmer hand onto it with each additional view. There is also Pele, striding towards the penalty area before being halted, like a deer running antler-first into the brick wall of Bobby Moore, before the wall gracefully bounds away with ball in possession. But there was a notable Merseyside presence surrounding that game – both on and off the pitch. Moore was highlighted as the best player on the pitch against Brazil - but alongside him was Everton FC defender Brian Labone. who was very much making up for lost time. Labone, originally selected by Alf Ramsey for the 1966 squad, withdrew because of his imminent marriage. But having captained the Blues to the league title that season, Labone travelled to Mexico as part of the world champions' first-choice centre-back partnership, quietly impressing in the group stages; while Moore took the plaudits, Labone was recognised by his contemporaries.
On the day following England's 1-0 defeat to Brazil – Jairzinho the goalscorer - the Liverpool ECHO singled out Labone – for his weight loss. The report reads: “England are sadder, wiser... and SLIMMER after their scorching showdown with Brazil last night. On average, the England players lost 10lb apiece. “The one who shed the most poundage was centre-half Brian Labone, who lost nearly three quarters of a stone.” Labone was quoted saying: “It was unbelievably hot and humid out there.” Drastic diet aside, Labone was one of four players representing the Merseyside two, with three Everton players (Alan Ball and Keith Newton the other two), and Emlyn Hughes as Liverpool's sole player. Off the pitch, Roger Hunt – World Cup winner, Liverpool legend and now at Bolton Wanderers – was given a daily column in the Liverpool ECHO with his reflections on the tournament.
After England's defeat to Brazil, he wrote: “Well – England have got to beat Czechoslovakia on Thursday to qualify for the quarter-finals. “And Brazil could complicate matters, if they 'gifted' the Romanians two points on Wednesday. For then, England would have to beat the Czechs and improve on Romania's score. “But the England players have overcome last night's disappointment. They live in fine heart. And their attitude was summed up by Everton skipper Brian Labone, who had such a fine game for England that Brazil took off Tostao near the end.”
Finally, Labone was receiving recognition. And when he spoke to Hunt, he claimed England would beat Brazil in the final. It's not difficult to understand where the confidence came from. England were good at everything bar putting the ball in the net. Of the narrow defeat, Hunt wrote: “What is the use of having the greatest defence in the world – including the greatest goalkeeper and captain – if, at the other end, chances are wasted as casually as a man throwing away a cigarette end?
“When England put the pressure on – and this was in the cruellest heat they have yet played in over here – the suspect Brazilian defence cracked open, time and again. “During the high-pressure spell which following the Brazilian goal by Jairzinho, in the 60thth minute, England might have had three goals.” England would progress into the quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over Czechoslovakia, but were eliminated in the last eight by West Germany, 3-2 after extra time. But Labone had already won the attention of a nation and more than compensated for his 1966 absence. While the great Moore would have his iconic moment when swapping shirts with Pele at full time, Labone had something he didn't four years earlier - a World Cup moment his defending ability deserved.