Lions Roar In Shoot-Out

Everton duo Hallam Hope and John Lundstram helped England U17s through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Mexico tonight, with a penalty shoot-out victory over Argentina enough to see the young Lions progress.

Forward Hope was named in the starting eleven, although club-mate Lundstram began the match amongst the substitutes.

Amidst torrential rainfall in Pachuca, England fell behind against the run of play to a 12th minute goal from Argentine Maximiliano Padillo, who tapped in from close range after a free-kick was spilled by England 'keeper Jordan Pickford.

England managed a reply before half-time and it came from Liverpool's Raheem Sterling, who cut inside and slotted home from outside the area to deservedly draw England level.

Manager John Peacock introduced John Lundstram on 65 minutes, with the Everton youngster replacing Nick Powell in midfield. The conditions made it difficult for either side to string good passing moves together, with the late dismissal of Argentine Marcos Pinto for a badly-timed challenge the only further notable action as the game petered out to a 1-1 draw.

The tie progressed straight to the dreaded decider of the penalty shoot-out.

Sam Magri stepped up first for England and emphatically dispatched his penalty. The Argentines replied with a successful penalty of their own, before Adam Morgan restored England's lead. Argentina drew level once more, before Crewe's Adam Clayton blasted his effort over the crossbar. Jordan Pickford in the England goal produced a magnificent save to attone for Morgan's miss. Jake Caskey stepped up next and did the business to restore England's advantage.

Pickford saved well again to leave England captain Nathaniel Chalobah needing to score to put England through. He did so with aplomb and England prevailed 4-3 in the penalty shoot-out.

England will now go on to face Germany, who made light work of the USA in their round of 16 tie, in the quarter-final.

Bremen Friendly Announced

Everton will contest a pre-season friendly match with German side Werder Bremen, the clubs announced today. The game will take place at Bremen's Weserstadion (above) on August 2nd, three days before Everton are due to face Villarreal at Goodison Park and ten before the opening fixture of the Premier League season at White Hart Lane.

The game will kick off at 7:30pm local time (6:30pm in the UK) and those of us who are too skint to travel to Bremen will be able to watch live on evertonTV.

Bremen, whose ranks include players such as Torsten Frings, Per Mertesacker and Mikael Silvestre, finished 13th in last season's Bundesliga.

The sides last met in friendly action back in 2007 at Goodison Park - with James McFadden and Anderson Da Silva scoring our goals in a lively 2-2 draw.

You can see a full list of Everton's pre-season friendlies here.

Mateusz Taudal to Become First Summer Signing

According to reports from Poland, Everton have made their first signing of the 2011 Summer transfer window - a 16 year old Polish goalkeeper by the name of Mateusz Taudul. Erm... Champions League here we come then!

The news seems to have emanated from Polish sport website sport.onet.pl where, with the help of Google Translate, one can see that the goalkeeper will sign for Everton on July 1st.

Taudul, who will turn 17 in November, honed his skills at the SMEs Szamotuły Goalkeeper School and has made appearances at U15 and U16 level for Poland. After having trials with Blackburn, he played for Everton in the 2010 Future Champions tournament in Belo Horizonte, Brazil (above).

On his profile on goalkeeper.pl, Taudul says "football is not a matter of life or death, it is definitely something much more important. I'm impulsive, sometimes I react more quickly than I think. I say what I think. I try to be myself."

The website also charts the player's youth career and it shows he has played for Piast Białystok (2001), MOSP Jagiellonia Bialystok (2002-2008), Msp Szamotuły (2009-2011) and Legnica Copper (2011). So now you know.

So our first signing of the Summer is not Klose, Ba or Callejon, but a 16 year old Polish goalkeeper who has only played at an amateur level in his homeland and will probably never play for Everton before being shipped off to Preston for a nominal fee. Ah well, good luck to the lad...

Mexico Rally to Clinch Gold Cup Title

Everton's American custodian Tim Howard kept goal for his international side last night as they were beaten by Mexico in the final of the 2011 Gold Cup. Goals from Michael Bradley and ex-Everton loanee Landon Donovan had put the U.S. in a strong position, but Mexico rallied and replied with four goals of their own to take the title.

The U.S. took the lead early on, when a ninth minute corner from Freddy Adu (remember him?) was headed home by Michael Bradley. The outstanding Adu then fed Clint Dempsey, who crossed for Landon Donovan to double the American's lead.

Mexico, though, were still in control of the game. Taking advantage of the lack of pace in the American defence was Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez, who ran the back four in front of Howard ragged. His energy and enthusiasm gained reward when, on 28 minutes, he found Pablo Barrera, who wrong-footed Howard to half the U.S. advantage.

Mexican winger Andres Guardado added a second on 35 minutes to level the match. It didn't take long after the break for El Tri to go in front - it was just four minutes after the restart when Pablo Barrera surprised Howard, scoring with the outside of his boot to make it 3-2.

Mexico added some gloss to the result with a fine fourth goal, after a solo run and finish by Giovanni dos Santos. It was a deserved result as the U.S. were made to pay for poor defending and - unlike Howard though it was - some poor goalkeeping. Mexico's energy and determination saw them clinch the Gold Cup title and gain a spot in the 2013 Confederations Cup.

After the game, Howard said: "they’ve got some special players. I thought we’d knocked the stuffing out of them at 2-0 really, it hit them where it hurt, but take your hat off to them they are a good bunch of players.

“Our game plan worked to a ‘T’ they came out and possessed it and spread us out but we picked and chose our spots and when to get them. Our combinations were really good up front and it's beyond me how they rallied back from that.

"We felt good about what we were doing, playing from a good shell and then springing and breaking and we did that really well, there was no sense in retreating we didn't want to do that.

"Every team in this tournament has sat back and waited on them, and they just picked them apart we didn’t want to do that, going for the third goal was just being aggressive.”

Howard was clearly hurt by the defeat and was seen leaving the field gesturing angrily, after having suffered regular taunting from the predominantly Mexican crowd during the match. Howard also felt that CONCACAF - a governing body prone to a spot of controversy - were wrong to hold the awarding ceremony solely in Spanish.

In an interview with Yahoo! Sports, Howard vented his ire: "CONCACAF should be ashamed of itself. I think it was a f***ing disgrace that the entire post-match ceremony was held in Spanish. You can bet your (butt) if we were in Mexico City it wouldn't all be in English."

So the season has ended in disappointment for our no.1 - but cheer up Timmy H, there are more important things in life. Everton, for one.

England U17s Progress in Mexican Heat

An England side featuring Everton striker Hallam Hope advanced from the group stages of the U17 World Cup after a 2-0 win over Uruguay in Mexico.

Following a victory over Rwanda and a subsequent draw with Canada, England lay 2nd in group C going into the clash with Uruguay, with qualification for the latter stages of the tournament all but secure thanks to a much better goal difference than closest challengers Canada.

Striker Hope was reinstated into the line-up after being dropped for the Canada game, but his club-mate John Lundstram was named amongst the substitutes.

In scorching 40 degree heat in Torreon, Mexico, and with neither side needing more than a point, the game was understandably slow in starting. Hope provided England's first real effort of the first half after good work from Nick Powell, but his well-struck shot went narrowly wide on 39 minutes.

Moments before half time, Chelsea and England centre-half Nathaniel Chalobah capitalised on some extremely poor Uruguay defending to head home unmarked from Jake Caskey's corner.

On 58 minutes England doubled their lead through Crewe Alexandra's Max Clayton, who side-footed home a cross from Everton forward Hope.

2-0 was how the game ended and the result meant that England topped the group and will go on to play in the latter stages of the tournament. You will be able to follow the progress of the young Lions in Mexico right here on efcstickytoffee.

Glovers snap up ex-Everton Striker

Former Everton striker Kieran Agard has signed a one-year deal with League One side Yeovil Town after being released by Everton.

Agard, 21, made his Everton debut against Hull City in the Carling Cup in 2009 and went on to make a handful of substitute appearances in the Premier League. However, following loan spells at Peterbrough and Kilmarnock, he was released by Everton earlier this month.

On signing for the Glovers, Agard told BBC Somerset: "It is a good club for me to come to and hopefully me and Yeovil can move forward.

"I want to be playing first-team football so this is the right time for me to get out there and show everyone what I can do."

Canadian Keeper Denies Young Lions

A freakish late goal from the Canadian goalkeeper robbed England U-17s of a victory in their second group match at the World Cup in Mexico last night.

Across the Atlantic Everton were represented by midfielder John Lundstram, although forward Hallam Hope was strangely dropped after scoring in the young Lions' opening game, a 2-0 victory over Rwanda.

The first half ended goalless but England broke the deadlock within a minute of the restart, with Adam Morgan nodding in from Nick Powell's free-kick. Canada levelled through Sadi Jalili, before Blair Turgott of West Ham restored England's lead.

It seemed as if England had the game in the bag, but they were denied the win thanks to a hopeful punt from the Canadian 'keeper that salvaged a point for the Canucks.

England will now face Uruguay on Sunday, with the final group game kicking off at 9:00 UK time.

Howard's USA Reach Fourth Consecutive Gold Cup Final

Tim Howard's United States earned a fourth straight trip to the Gold Cup final and eighth overall, beating Panama 1-0 on Wednesday night to avenge their earlier Gold Cup loss at the hands of the Central Americans.

Clint Dempsey lunged at the back post to touch in a Landon Donovan cross in the 76th minute and the goal proved to be the winner, as the Americans redeemed themselves for the 2-1 defeat to "Los Canaleros" in the group stage.

Freddy Adu sent a ball wide on the right hand side to Donovan, who sprinted up the flank and turned into the penalty area. With Jermaine Jones making a near-post run, Donovan sent a low, angled cross to the back post, where Dempsey stretched with his right leg to redirect it in.

"Once Landon gets in those positions, he normally finds a player," Dempsey said. "All I had to do was try to put myself in position that he could find me and I felt far post was the place to go. He hit it hard and low and all I had to do was put my foot on it.

"That's why after the goal I tried to go and celebrate with him because without that pass, there wasn't going to be a goal."

The U.S. will play for the title on Saturday in the Rose Bowl against Mexico, who overcame Honduras 2-0 in extra time in the other semi-final.

Yobo Set for Everton Showdown Talks

Joseph Yobo is set to meet with Everton chairman Bill Kenwright on Wednesday in an attempt to finally push through the defender's permanent move to Turkish giants Fenerbahce.

According to kickoff.com, a leading Nigerian football website, the talks were originally set for Tuesday but were re-scheduled to allow Yobo to join in and have his say on proceedings.

A source close to the website tells that “Joe is flying out to England on Wednesday to hold talks with the Everton chairman about his move. He is keen to get this whole issue sorted out before the end of the week.”

The 30-year old spent last campaign on loan at the Turkish club, becoming a cult hero as his headed goal sealed a record 18th league title. Fenerbahce have reportedly offered him a pre-contract, but talks between the two clubs have stalled due to different valuations.

Hallam's goal gives England Hope

Everton starlet Hallam Hope (above left) scored the opener for the England U-17 side tonight, as the young Lions defeated their Rwandan counterparts 2-0 in their opening World Cup match in Pachuca, Mexico. Also representing Everton across the Atlantic was academy midfielder John Lundstram.

The Everton pair were both named in boss John Peacock's starting line-up and both produced assured performances as England emerged victorious over the African side.

The first half ended with the scores still level at 0-0, but it would have been a different story if the woodwork hadn't twice denied Everton striker Hope from breaking the deadlock. Lundstram had also seen his early headed effort fly just over the crossbar.

Forward Hope remained a threat throughout and was again unfortunate not to score just after the interval, as he saw his effort well saved.

He did finally manage to open his and England's World Cup account, breaking the deadlock on 68 minutes. Moments after Rwanda had hit the crossbar at the other end, the striker was set free into a 1-on-1 situation and calmly chipped the ball over the 'keeper to put England ahead. In celebration he revealed a message on his shinpad that read 'happy father's day' - a nice touch for a surely very proud father.

Midfielder Lundstram also showed some good touches in a hard-working and efficient display. With just six minutes remaining Hope was substituted but there was still time for England to add a second goal. It came courtesy of Raheem Sterling and it was an absolute peach of a strike from the edge of the area - just a shame he plays his club football for Liverpool.

2-0 was how it ended and the squad will now prepare to face Canada on Thursday, before rounding off the group stage of the tournament with a game against Uruguay on Saturday night.

Howard's USA Beat Jamaica to Progress

Tim Howard kept a clean sheet for the USA tonight as they eased into the semi-finals of the Gold Cup courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Jamaica.

The quarter-final clash pitted the US against the Reggae Boyz and the USA were handed the advantage of home support - the game was played in Washington D.C. Ex-Everton loanee Landon Donovan only arrived in Washington in the early hours of the morning after attending a wedding and so was rested on the bench - the first time since June 2007.

Everton goalkeeper Howard made a fantastic early save to prevent the US from falling behind, diving magnificently to deny Jamaican forward Ryan Johnson.

The first period was a cautious affair but the breakthrough came shortly after half-time courtesy of Blackburn's Jermaine Jones, whose long-range effort took a huge deflection before finding its way into the net. Donovan entered the fray on 66 minutes and Fulham's Clint Dempsey doubled the USA's lead on 80.

Just before the end Tim Howard made another excellent save to protect the two-goal cushion and the game finished 2-0, meaning that the US progress into the semi-final stage.

The USA will come up against Panama, who beat El Salvador in their quarter final, and will try to exact revenge for their shock defeat in the group stage. Should Tim Howard's international side be victorious, they will meet either Honduras or Mexico in the final on June 25th.

Young Lions Knocked out after Czech-Mate

England U-21s conceded an 87th minute equalising goal and a 94th minute winner in their final group match at the European Championships, and the resulting 2-1 loss to the Czech Republic meant that Stuart Pearce's side failed to qualify for the latter stages of the bi-annual tournament.

Following successive draws with Spain and Ukraine, England were left knowing that only a win over the Czech Republic would see them progress in the competition. Everton teenager Jack Rodwell was named on the bench for the crunch match in Viborg, Denmark.

England were slightly the better team in the opening period but failed to break the deadlock, and knew that a draw would not be enough to send them through.

With quarter of an hour remaining Danny Welbeck's headed effort put the young Lions a goal to the good, and it seemed as though England would scrape through to the semi-finals and not be made to pay for their below-par showing in the group matches.

The Czechs, however, had other ideas. First they equalised on 87 minutes through Jan Chramosta and then, whilst England were attacking in droves, striker Tomas Pekhart added a second four minutes into injury time. Czech-mate.

It was a disappointing exit from the competition but overall one cannot argue that, over the three games, it was not deserved. It has made a mockery of the obscene transfer fees that certain members of our squad have commanded and, more generally, of the whole mindset of the English coaching system. It has been depressing to watch at times and we must learn that strength and power alone will not win you a major tournament like it may have done in the past.

Anyway, rant over. There are more important things in life - like Everton.

In the other game in Group B, Spain beat Ukraine by 3 goals to 0 to finish top of the group. The final group tables read:

Everton's ex-pros lose out in Mersey Masters

A host of former Everton players lost out in the Mersey Masters at Liverpool's ECHO Arena on Saturday, as neighbours Liverpool won the annual 6-a-side tournament.

The indoor event was contested by ex-pros from Everton, Liverpool, Tranmere Rovers, Blackpool, Wigan Athletic and Bolton Wanderers. In masters football each side has a squad of eight, with six from that squad on the pitch at any one time. There are no offsides and one player must be in the opponent's half at all times.

Everton's squad consisted of; Ray Newland (GK), Neil Pointon, Tony Grant, Paul Lodge, Neil Moore, Graham Stuart, Peter Beagrie and Daniel Amokachi. We were drawn alongside Liverpool and Blackpool in Group A, leaving Bolton, Tranmere and Wigan to battle it out in Group B.

We kicked off the tournament against Blackpool and quickly went 1-0 up after Peter Beagrie set up Graham Stuart, whose smart finish evaded the Blackpool 'keeper to put us 1-0 up. After the break another Stuart effort was well saved and we were soon made to pay for sitting back on our slender lead. Blackpool's Chris Beech equalised with a headed effort with a minute to go, and poor defending allowed Andy Preece to win it for the Tangerines with just 20 seconds left on the clock. Typical Everton!

In the second game Wigan beat reigning champions 3-1, and then attention was turned to the biggest group match of the day - Everton v Liverpool.

We conceded three goals before half time and deservedly so. The fourth and fifth goals followed and we were dumped out after just two games. We were unfit, lethargic and lacking in quality. Graham Stuart scored a brilliant consolation goal from the edge of the area to salvage a drop of pride but it proved far too little and far too late. Ah well, at least it's not proper football.

Liverpool went on to win the regional title after beating group B victors Bolton 5-1 in the final and will go on to represent Merseyside in the grand final.

McAleny Latest to Sign New Contract

18 year-old forward Conor McAleny has today put pen to paper and signed a professional deal with Everton.

The youngster is the latest to be awarded a new contract, after Adam Forshaw, James Wallace, Aristote Nsiala, John Lundstram and Tyias Browning all signed new deals in recent weeks.

McAleny joined Everton at the age of 11 and in 2008 the pacy striker became a full-time scholar. He was named as a substitute for the home fixture against Aston Villa last season due to a lengthy first-team injury list, but is yet to make his senior Everton debut. He also played a large role in helping the Everton under-18 side to win the national league title back in May.

The deal is a one-year extension and so will keep McAleny at Everton until June 2012. He told evertonfc.com "I'm buzzing to have signed a new contract, I just need to get my head down this season and hopefully I'll be rewarded with getting on the bench or maybe even getting on the pitch.

"I was on the bench last season which was a great experience and I learnt a lot from those two games. I've picked up loads this season and it's really helped me to progress.

"Stubbsy (Alan Stubbs, reserve team coach) has been great and so has Taff (Andy Holden, reserve team manager), they were both defenders so they can help me with what defenders don't like."

2011/12 Fixtures Announced

The fixture computer has this morning revealed the schedule for the 2011/12 Premier League season and has handed Everton an away fixture at White Hart Lane to kick off the campaign on the weekend of the 13th August.

The Merseyside derbies will be contested on 1st October at Goodison and on 25th February at Anfield and, should we need a final-day victory to win the league/secure European qualification/avoid relegation, then we will have to beat Newcastle at Goodison.

We will kick off the new campaign in August with a trip to the capital to play Tottenham. A tough opener, but any kind of good result there could set us off perfectly for the season. Goodison will taste its first piece of 2011/12 Premier League action when newly-promoted QPR come to town the following weekend, and an away game against Blackburn will end the first month of the season.

September will see Everton play host to Aston Villa and Wigan, before we head off down the M62 to collect our customary 3 points at Eastlands from Man City.

October looks like being the toughest month in our calendar, and what better way to kick it off than a Goodison derby with Liverpool? We then face two trips to London to face Chelsea and then Fulham, before Man United visit Goodison to finish off the month.

There are just the three games scheduled for November - although the list is likely to change once Sky have had their say - and the month begins with a trip to St. James' to face Newcastle. We will then face Wolves at home and Bolton away.

By contrast, no fewer than six matches are scheduled for December. We face Stoke at home before a tricky away fixture at Arsenal. We will then come up against two of the promoted sides at home in succession - with Norwich visiting Goodison a week before Welsh side Swansea. The Boxing Day fixture - that is, if it is not postponed - is an away game at Sunderland and we will end the calendar year with a trip to face West Brom.

We'll kick off 2012 with a home game against Bolton, before a trip to Aston Villa followed by a home game against Blackburn.

February begins with a midweek home fixture against Manchester City before a trip to Wigan. We will hope to recreate the final day off last campaign in our next home game against Chelsea before the Anfield derby with Liverpool. A tough month indeed.

March begins with an away game at QPR, before we welcome Tottenham and then Arsenal to Goodison. A trip into Europe (Wales counts) is up next as we face Swansea at the Liberty Stadium and the month will draw to a close after a home fixture with West Brom.

The run-in looks to have been kind to Everton, but as we all know there is no such thing as an easy game (Man City aside), and an away fixture at Norwich may prove a tough start to April. We then host Sunderland before two dreadful away fixtures at Stoke and Manchester United. The month ends with a Goodison affair with Fulham in which we will look to continue our immaculate home record against the Cottagers.

The season will wind down with a trip to face Wolves and, should we need a win to secure the title on the last day, we will have to beat Newcastle at home.

You can see a full list of fixtures by clicking here.

Rodwell's England Stutter to Ukraine Draw

Jack Rodwell regained a place in the starting line-up for England's second fixture in the 2011 European Championships, but couldn't inspire the young lions to victory over a stubborn Ukraine side.

Rodwell was left on the bench for the first game with Spain, but was selected ahead of Tom Cleverley for the clash with Ukraine in Herning, Denmark.

England's best effort came when Daniel Sturridge's long-range effort smashed against the crossbar but both sides found it hard to carve out any more meaningful chances.

With 57 minutes gone Rodwell was hauled off and replaced by Henri Lansbury, but neither side managed to break the deadlock and the game ended goalless.

England now lie third in the group but will qualify for the latter stages of the tournament with a victory in their next game against the Czech Republic, who are second in the group.

Amo Back In Town for Mersey Masters

Nigerian Daniel Amokachi will pull on the royal blue jersey once again this weekend alongside a host of ex-Blues as they compete in the annual Mersey Masters tournament.

The Nigerian, who became a cult hero at Goodison Park largely thanks to his brace against Tottenham in the 1995 FA Cup semi-final at Elland Road, will line up alongside other former Everton players including Peter Beagrie, Neil Pointon, Tony Grant and Graham Stuart, who also scored in the famous 4-1 win over Tottenham.

The Echo Arena is the venue for the tournament and the Blues will be competing against Liverpool, Wigan, Blackburn, Bolton and reigning champions Tranmere. The action gets underway at 4pm and is live on Sky Sports.

USA Advance after Narrow Victory

Tim Howard's USA have advanced from the group stages of the 2011 Gold Cup after beating minnows Guadeloupe by a Jozy Altidore goal to nil in Kansas City last night.

The former Hull City forward struck in the ninth minute with a rasping effort from 25 yards, and the early goal proved to be the winner. It turned out to be a deserved victory and the US will now face Jamaica in a quarter-final fixture at the RFK Stadium in Washington DC, which incidentally will, later this Summer, play host to a pre-season friendly between DC United and Everton.

The quarter-final line-up is completed by Costa Rica and Honduras, Mexico and Guatemala, and Panama and El Salvador. The USA are seeking their 5th Gold Cup title and their first since 2007 when they defeated Mexico 2-1 in a final in Chicago. The victors of the competition earn a berth in the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil.

Teenager Forshaw signs new deal with Everton

Following last month's news that teenagers James Wallace and Aristote Nsiala have signed new contracts with Everton, midfielder Adam Forshaw has also penned a new deal. The winger made his debut towards the latter end of last season in the 3-0 win over Wolves after some impressive performances for the reserves that included a wonder-goal against Liverpool.

On signing the new deal, Forshaw told evertonfc.com "I just want to keep improving, play every game for the reserves and hopefully start making the first team squad a bit more often.

"From there you can maybe get on the pitch a bit more, pick up those bits and pieces and keep pushing on. You don't just burst on through, it is not like that, but if you keep working at it and playing for the reserves then you can do it gradually.

"Getting on at Molineux was a great feeling. It is what you work every day for. I was a bit nervous but once I got out there and had my first touch I really enjoyed it.

"We had a lot of injuries around that time so I had an idea I might be on the bench, but to actually get on was fantastic. Also, later in the season when all the players were back it was pleasing to stay on the bench for games like Chelsea at home."

The 19-year-old was hampered by injury at the start of last season and admitted that he was unsure over his future.

"Things were uncertain. I had an injury and things did not start so well for me. Towards the end of the season I played more games and scored some goals but I still wasn't quite sure which way it would go and I am obviously over the moon to be signing.

"I have been here since I was eight and every year has been better and better. The Club is everything and is all I have known since that age.

"At the start of last season I wasn't getting a regular game for the reserves. I knew within myself that I wasn't doing well enough and made an effort to change that.

"Thankfully the second half of the season was brilliant with me playing all the time for the reserves and making a few first team squads. That was fantastic for my confidence and it gives you the belief you can keep getting better.

"I am really made up to sign – to get that bit of security again – and it is another chance for me to show what I can do."

Crawley Town snap up free agent Akpan

Following his release from Everton at the beginning of the month, Hope Akpan has quickly found a new club in the shape of Crawley Town, who have just been promoted to the Football League.

Akpan only featured once for Everton but spent time on loan at Hull City towards the end of last season, and is believed to have received offers from many Football League clubs including League 1 side Chesterfield.

Shortly after completing the signing, Crawley boss Steve Evans said "Hope is a talented lad and I am delighted he has joined us.

"It would be fair to say he had many offers from Football League clubs, Championship down to League 2, to consider but I have kept in regular touch with him since we met and gently helped persuade him day by day towards our direction.

"I watched him play several times last season for Everton reserves, indeed I tried to get him on loan but David Moyes said no to me and a few other interested managers also. I made sure we as a management team monitored him thereafter and the report from his performance when he played for Hull City against QPR towards the end of the season made my decision very clear, we should try and sign him if we could.

"Being honest I did not really fancy my chances of getting the lad here but if you don't try then you would never know and we got him.

"He is a big lad who can be aggressive and strong but he is a footballer. He has a good range of passing and a terrific work ethic, he is young and I think he can become a big player for us. We must not forget that he is a youngster, although he is very much joining us to play.

"Last night I spoke at length with the Everton manager David Moyes and he gave him a glowing reference in every aspect. Indeed, he told me it was an agonising decision whether he kept the lad at Everton. Hope will have the right attitude towards his football especially having been under the leadership of David and I have no doubt that if that was not the case I would have been advised, but the lad's reference was glowing.

"The Everton manager and myself go back a long way together so I knew when he told me Hope could be a big player for us I had to move on it quickly as I knew the lad would be sought after, indeed he has been but we have got the player despite that interest in him."

The player himself also spoke to Crawley's website, saying "Crawley Town are a very ambitious club and that was important to me. I had several offers put to me, many much better financially than what I have actually signed for but the gaffer here showed he wanted me to be a part of what he is building here and that was very important to me.

"I need to play first team football first before everything and also have a manager who believes in me. I spoke with the gaffer at Everton at length befoer I made my decision, he also thought Crawley Town could be the right choice. I know competition for a place in the team will be tough but I am looking forward to the challenge."

Hope and Lundstram Feature in Nine-Goal Thriller

Everton pair John Lundstram and Hallam Hope were in action in the early hours of this morning, helping England U-17s to a 5-4 victory over the Ivory Coast in a World Cup warm up match.

The match, played behind closed doors at Club America's training ground, was the final preparation fixture for the young lions before they begin their campaign on Sunday against another African side, Rwanda.

England started well and took the lead after Hallam Hope was fouled on the edge of the area. Nick Powell of Crewe Alexandra rifled the free-kick home and soon added a second, latching onto a cross from Blair Turgott.

England were then stunned as the Elephants replied with four goals before the half-time break. After an interval that included numerous substitutions, a resurgent England fought back to win 5-4, with the further goals coming from Alex Henshall, Adam Morgan and Jack Dunn.

England will now prepare to face Rwanda on Sunday. You can read a full match report of the 5-4 victory over the Ivory Coast here.

Young Lions Snatch Point in Euro Opener

Jack Rodwell was a 67th minute substitute as a late Danny Welbeck goal snatched an undeserved point for England in their opening fixture of the 2011 U-21 Euros with Spain.

Manager Stuart Pearce elected to start Jordan Henderson and Michael Mancienne, and so Everton's Jack Rodwell had to be content with a slot on the bench. The young lions fell behind after 19 minutes to an Ander Herrara goal - although replays suggested that the young Spaniard had bundled the ball in with his hand rather than his head.

The Spaniards were technically superior and dominated long periods of the match - with a final statistic of 62% possession. England were lacking a cutting edge in the final third or a pass that would unlock the Spanish defence - a pass that may have come courtesy of Jack Wilshere - if he wasn't too 'tired' (bless him) - or Jack Rodwell - who had been overlooked in favour of the shockingly negative Michael Mancienne.

Rodwell did enter the fray with just under 70 minutes gone. He wasn't immediately able to settle into the game as the Spanish retained the ball brilliantly and we were left to chase shadows. However, with just two minutes remaining, Danny Welbeck - who has this week been linked with a loan move to Goodison Park - slotted home after good work from Chris Smalling and Kyle Walker. Replays showed him to be offside, but there was more than a whiff of controversy about the earlier goal too.

Rodwell almost capped an incredible comeback with a curled shot from the edge of the area, but it sailed harmlessly over David de Gea's crossbar.

Howard's USA in Shock Gold Cup Defeat

Tim Howard was in goal last night as the USA suffered a shock defeat at the hands of minnows Panama in their second Gold Cup fixture. It was the USA's first ever loss in the group stages of the competition and leaves them second in Group C after the second round of matches.

The US started slowly and quickly found themselves behind to a 19th minute Luis Tejada goal, before Gabriel Gomez doubled the Panamanian lead from the penalty spot, lifting the ball over Tim Howard. Clarence Goodson - who, incidentally, has a near-perfect surname - pulled one back for the USA with 20 minutes to go but it was a case of too little, too late, as the USA were punished for a lacklustre start.

American forward and ex-Everton loanee Landon Donovan said afterwards: "Sometimes you just come out flat for whatever reason. At this level, and against a good team, you can't do that. Some nights you come out flat and you don't get punished, but other nights you do. We learned a valuable lesson.

"First of all, give Panama a lot of credit. They started the game well. They put us on our heels at times. It took us a while to get into the game. Our second half was very good, but when you dig yourself a hole that huge, sometimes you can't get out.

"CONCACAF teams are getting better and better. It's a pretty good team we played against. It's disappointing, but the reality is it's over now. We've got to win on Tuesday, see what else happens and see where we end up. We're still fine."

Despite the loss, a victory over Guadeloupe in Kansas City on Tuesday night will see the USA clinch a quarter-final spot.

Seamus Coleman and Jill Scott Receive Nominations for Northern Sports Awards

After an outstanding first season at Goodison Park, Seamus Coleman has been nominated for the 'Newcomer of the Year' award at the MNBA Northern Sports Award. The Irish international is up against Andy Carroll, Javier Hernandez and John Flanagan, as well as some other non-football stars.

Also nominated for an award is Everton Ladies' skipper Jill Scott, who has been nominated in the 'Sportswoman of the Year' category. You can cast your votes for both Coleman and Scott by clicking here.

Rodwell ready for England Duty

Everton and England starlet Jack Rodwell has spoken to the media ahead of the U-21 European Championships, which begin on Saturday. England are set to face Spain, Ukraine and Czech Republic in Group B of the 8-team competition that will also involve Iceland, Belarus, Switzerland and hosts Denmark.

Rodwell was part of the side that reached the final two years ago in Sweden and, in an interview for the official FA website, he said that he feels the squad is even stronger now:

"It's not a difficult squad for people to come and settle into. A lot of the players I've known since I was in the U-16s. I remember playing with the likes of Henri Lansbury, Nathan Delfouneso, Danny Rose, Jason Steele and Danny Welbeck.

"There is a good team spirit in the squad though, as we've been bonding for a few years now and any of the newer players are always welcomed into the team when we all get together before games.

"International football gives you a whole array of experiences, whichever group you are with. The set-up is generally the same from team to team, so there's nothing really different depending on which squad you're in.

Despite having over 70 Everton appearances to his name, Rodwell is still just 20 years old and will be eligible for the next U-21 Euro campaign. It's something he's keen to do:

"I also think it's important that rather than players turning up to squads and not playing, it's better they actually play games. So if they're in the seniors or U-21s and not playing, it is better for them to be in their age group and playing and getting that experience if they're still eligible."

Heitinga's Dutch Lose out on Penalties

John Heitinga's Netherlands side lost on penalties to Uruguay last night in Montevideo, after the ninety minutes ended with the score at 1-1.

The Netherlands, on a mini-tour of South America, fell behind on 82 minutes to a Luis Suarez goal. It was another player from across the park who equalised, with Dirk Kuyt's header in extra time bringing the Dutch level. The sides were competing for the Copa Confraternidad trophy and so the match was to be decided on penalties.

Uruguay prevailed 4-3 in the shoot-out after Elia and van Persie missed their spot-kicks, although Everton's Heitinga did put away his penalty.

Howard's USA beat Canada in Gold Cup

Tim Howard kept a clean sheet as the USA prevailed in their first Gold Cup fixture against Canada last night. The goals came from Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey, but the USA had their 'keeper to thank after a string of impressive saves kept the score at 2-0.

The Americans took the lead after 15 minutes when Jozy Altidore fired a shot underneath the Canadian 'keeper, before Clint Dempsey slid in to get on the end of an Altidore cross and make it 2-0 just after the hour mark.

At 2-0 and with the game seemingly in the bag, the US performance appeared to falter. Coach Bob Bradley had Tim Howard to thank for keeping them ahead after he made a few world-class saves. The victory leaves the USA top of Group C ahead of their second fixture, against Panama on June 11th.

Full highlights of the 2-0 win can be seen below (warning, you may want to mute your computer):

Bilyaletdinov and Coleman in International Action

Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and Seamus Coleman both featured for their countries tonight in their last fixtures before jetting off on their Summer holidays.

Bilyaletdinov played for 76 minutes as his Russia side played out a scoreless draw with Cameroon in a friendly in Salzburg.

Seamus Coleman's Ireland put in an impressive performance to defeat Italy by 2 goals to 0 in a prestigious friendly in Liege, Belgium. Coleman played the full ninety minutes as a fabulous first half strike from Keith Andrews was added to by a last-minute goal from Simon Cox. After their Nations Cup triumph last month, Ireland earned their second ever win over the Italians and their fourth victory in succession.

More Friendlies Announced

Everton's preparations for the 2011/2012 pre-season are starting to take shape as the club have announced friendlies against Birmingham City and Oxford United.

The Birmingham fixture will take place at St. Andrew's on Saturday, July 30 after the mini-tour of America. The Midlands club have just been relegated to the Championship but will provide strong opposition for Everton.

In the season just finished we won 2-0 at Birmingham thanks to an own goal and a trademark Tim Cahill header. In the reverse fixture at Goodison we drew 1-1, with John Heitinga grabbing our goal.

In addition to the Birmingham friendly, an Everton XI will face Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium on Friday, July 29.

To see a full list of confirmed pre-season friendlies, click here.

International Round-up; Yobo Scores for Nigeria, Rodwell and Mustafi also feature

Jack Rodwell, Shkodran Mustafi, Joseph Yobo and Magaye Gueye were all in international action on Sunday.

Nigeria could only manage a 2-2 draw with Ethiopia in Addis Ababa despite going into the game as strong favourites. Victor Anichebe was an unused substitute, but Everton's other representative, Joseph Yobo, equalised with 4 minutes to go. Earlier Kalu Uche opened the scoring for Nigeria, before a brace from Saladin Seid put Ethiopia in front. Yobo's 86th minute header levelled the match and left the Super Eagles top of the African Cup of Nations Qualifying Group B, albeit only courtesy of goal difference.

Jack Rodwell played the full ninety minutes for England U-21s as they strolled to a 2-0 victory over Norway in a World Cup warm up match at St. Mary's. Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge opened the scoring on 9 minutes and Tottenham's Danny Rose added another shortly before the break. Rodwell came close to adding a third, but his 25-yard striker skimmed past the post.

Magaye Gueye played for France U-21s as they drew 1-1 with Ukraine in a friendly match.

Finally, defender Shkodran Mustafi played for Germany U-19s as they lost out to Turkey. Muhammet Demir of Turkey scored the only goal of the game with a direct free-kick after 22 minutes.

International Round-up

A host of Everton players have had to postpone their Summer holidays due to international commitments, with no fewer than 6 being involved with their countries yesterday.

I'll kick off this international round-up with England, who could only muster a 2-2 draw with Switzerland in a Euro 2012 Qualifier. Everton defenders Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka were both named amongst the substitutes, but Baines replaced the injured Ashley Cole after 30 minutes. Two fluky Swiss free kicks stunned the hosts, but Frank Lampard pulled one back from the penalty spot before half-time. After the break England equalised through Ashley Young and Everton man Baines got the assist. James Milner chipped a ball into Baines, whose chested pass was perfectly weighted to enable Young to drive home. Baines was a standout player in a poor England side, recognised by the fact that he was trending worldwide on Twitter.

In Group B, Seamus Coleman's Ireland won 2-0 against Macedonia in Skopje. Our man was an unused substitute as a Robbie Keane brace left Ireland top of the group.

In the same group, Diniyar Bilyaletdinov was also an unused substitute as Russia overcame Armenia by 3 goals to 1. Armenian Marcos Pizzelli opened the scoring on 25 minutes, only for Tottenham's Roman Pavlyuchenko to level for the Russians within a minute of the restart. The Spurs frontman went on to complete his hat-trick.

Elsewhere, John Heitinga featured for Holland as they drew 0-0 with Brazil in a rematch of the World Cup semi-final. Heitinga played the full ninety minutes and picked up a booking.

Tim Howard kept goal for the USA in a Gold Cup warm up match against World Champions Spain. Ex-Everton loanee Landon Donovan did not feature as goals from Negredo, Cazorla (2) and Torres handed Spain a 4-0 win in Massachusetts.

Yobo Subject of FIFA Investigation

Nigeria captain and Everton defender Joseph Yobo has found himself at the centre of a FIFA investigation surrounding Nigeria's 4-1 victory over Argentina.

FIFA, who are certainly no strangers to a spot of corruption themselves, have launched an investigation into betting patterns during the friendly match in Abuja. Nigeria led 4-0 against a second-string Argentina side, before Yobo's handball allowed Mauro Boselli to equalise from the penalty spot.

It is claimed that a high number of bets were placed for there to be another goal whilst the score was 4-0.

In a statement, FIFA said: "FIFA can confirm that this match between Nigeria and Argentina was one that we had an active interest in, and forms part of a wider ongoing FIFA investigation."

Cottagers sign Everton teenager Donegan

Manager-less Fulham have signed teenager Tom Donegan from Everton on a two-year deal.

Donegan became a full-time scholar at Everton in the summer of 2009 and was previously a member of Blackburn's Academy. The central midfielder, 18, will join Fulham's development squad at the start of the next campaign.

He is well known to fans of Fulham's youth team, having been an integral part of Everton's winning team in the Academy League final at Craven Cottage in May.

Yellow Submarine Heading for Goodison

Everton will play host to Spanish side Villarreal in a pre-season friendly at Goodison on August 5th. The Friday night fixture is the fourth to be announced and will provide a real test for Everton.

The announcement will, of course, bring back bittersweet memories of the Champions League Qualifying round tie in 2005, when the 'best referee in the world', Pierluigi Collina, disallowed a perfectly good Duncan Ferguson header that would have taken the tie to extra time.

That year, 'El Submarino Amarillo' (the yellow submarine) reached the semi-finals of Europe's premier club compettiton where they were narrowly beaten by Arsenal.

Managed by Juan Carlos Garrido, last season saw them secure Champions League qualification as they finished 4th in La Liga, behind Barcelona, Real Madrid and Valencia. They will provide strong opposition for Everton just days before the start of the Premier League season, with a host of big names such as Nilmar, Guiseppe Rossi, Carlos Marchena and Joan Capdevilla.

It will be intriguing to see how we fare against a Champions League outfit, but let's just hope that Collina isn't the referee!

International Round-up: Mustafi, Gueye and Vellios

A trio of young Evertonians were in international action tonight and all ended up victorious.

German defender Shkodran Mustafi (above) helped his U-19 side to a 5-0 win over minnows Macedonia in Antalya, Turkey. The Germans dominated the match, with the goals coming from Moritz Leitner (3) of Borussia Dortmund and Shawn Parker (2) of FSV Mainz. Managed by a certain Christian Ziege, the squad also included a right-back from the other side of Stanley Park, Liverpool's Stephen Sama.

The match was an 'elite round' fixture. In this round, the 28 sides that progressed from an earlier qualifying round compete in seven mini-tournament groups of four. The groups winners then join the hosts in the finals. Having already beaten Hungary 3-0, Mustafi's Germany sit top of group 7 going into their next fixture, which is against Turkey on June 5th.

Striker Apostolos Vellios was also in action with his Greece U-21 side beating Bulgaria 2-1. Greece took the lead in the 6th minute through Olympiakos winger Aristides Soiledis, Bulgaria equalised on 64 through CSKA Sofia's Alexsandar Tonev and then the Greek winner was scored in the 71st minute by Udinese's Thanasis Karagounis.

Magaye Gueye helped the French U-21s to a 1-0 win over Serbia. The goal came after 15 minutes from Henri Saivet, of French Ligue 2 side Angers. Everton forward Gueye replaced the goalscorer on 62 minutes and played the final half hour of the friendly victory.

Lundstram & Browning sign pro deals

Academy starlets John Lundstram (above left) and Tyias Browning (above right) have signed their first professional contracts after turning 17. Browning, who has represented England at U-17 level, is a right back who can also operate at centre-half. Lundstram is an exciting central midfielder who has also represented England U-17s.

Last season both players played a huge part in helping Everton to win the national Academy league and have both also featured for the reserve side.

Earlier this week, James Wallace and Aristote Nsiala also signed new contracts with the club. The future's bright, the future's blue...

Anichebe's Nigeria thrash Weakened Argentines

Victor Anichebe and Joseph Yobo helped Nigeria to a 4-1 victory over a Lionel Messi-less Argentina in Abuja last night.

The Super Eagles were angry at the under-strength team that Argentina had brought to Abuja, but it was an impressive victory nonetheless. Real Zaragoza striker Ikechukwu Uche started the scoring in the 10th minute as his shot deflected over Adrian Gabbarini in the Argentine goal.

On 28 minutes Anichebe earned a contentious penalty, which West Ham's Victor Obinna converted to make it 2-0 to the home side. Before the break Uche struck again, his headed effort putting the Nigerians 3 to the good.

Just before half-time Emmanuel Emineke came on to replace Anichebe. The substitute promptly scored to make it 4-0, before Argentine Mauro Boselli scored a late consolation from the penalty spot.

The Argentina side that played was seriously weakened, with no Messi, Tevez, Mascherano or Aguero, but Nigeria captain Joseph Yobo, who is still an Everton player, said afterwards "Let's not take anything away from the importance of this win."

Trio Released by Blues

The Everton trio of Iain Turner, Hope Akpan and Kieran Agard have all been released, with the club choosing not to renew their expired contracts.

27-year-old goalkeeper Iain Turner has been with Everton for eight years after signing from Stirling Albion in 2003. Throughout his spell he was never able to claim the number one spot and only made six appearances for the Blues.

He made his Everton debut in an FA Cup tie with Chelsea in February 2006, but has since been unable to force his way into the starting eleven. He has been on numerous loan spells at Chester City, Doncaster Rovers, Wycombe Wanderers, Crystal Palace, Sheffield Wednesday, Nottingham Forest, Coventry City and, most recently, Preston North End.

Midfielder Akpan, 19, had graduated through the Everton academy and was a regular in the reserve side. His only senior appearance for Everton came in the Europa League tie with BATE Borisov in 2009, although he did play some games for Hull City during a loan spell towards the end of last season.

Striker Agard, 21, made his debut as a substitute against Chelsea and leaves Everton with six senior appearances, including one in the defeat to Borisov.