Trio In England U18 Squad

Everton Academy defender Eric Dier has earned a first call-up to the England U18 squad for a fixture against Slovakia in two weeks' time, joining clubmates Hallam Hope and John Lundstram in Noel Blake's 18-man party.

The squad travel to Slovakia on 16th November for the friendly fixture.

Dier, born to English parents, grew up in Portugal after his family moved there when he was young. He came through the ranks at Sporting Lisbon's academy but has spent the last two seasons on loan at Everton.

It is unclear whether Everton will be able to keep hold of Dier after the latest loan spell expires as Sporting are thought to value the player highly.

Thanks to his childhood having been spent abroad, Dier is eligible to play for Portugal, but has in the past stated his desire to play for England, for whom he participated in a promotional photoshoot back in 2008 (above).

Midfielder Lundstram and forward Hope both played at the U17 World Cup in the Summer just gone and both have retained their places in the squad for the Slovakia game.

The trio join Jake Bidwell, Ross Barkley and Jack Rodwell in being called up to various England youth sides in recent days. The future's bright, the future's blue.

Manchester United Res 2-0 Everton Res

Goals from Will Keane and Jesse Lingard saw off an experienced Everton side in this lively encounter.

Everton's travelling party included names such as Marcus Hahnemann, Ross Barkley, Magaye Gueye and James McFadden, as well as players such as Chris Long and Anton Forrester who have been impressing for the U18 side of late.

The Everton line-up was; Hahnemann, Browning, Mustafi, Nsiala, Bidwell, Forshaw, Lundstram, Barkley, Gueye, Stracqualursi, McFadden, with a substitutes bench consisting of Davies, Hope, Dier, Forrester and Long.

United started brightly and found themselves a goal to the good after just 6 minutes when Will Keane jinked through the Everton defence and lashed a shot past Marcus Hahnemann.

Ross Barkley saw an effort fly over the bar, although the majority of the action was at the other end of the field. Davide Petrucci and Jesse Lingard were both denied by Hahnemann, whilst an exceptional sliding tackle from Shkodran Mustafi blocked a goal-bound Mame Biram Diouf shot.

United's England U19 international Larnell Cole was thwarted by Hahnemann, but Everton shaded the final 10 minutes of the first half and both Adam Forshaw and Denis Stracqualursi had opportunities to draw the visitors level.

James McFadden was replaced by Chris Long, rewarded for his fine goalscoring form with the U18s, at the break. The hosts also made a change, bringing on Sean McGinty for Ezekiel Fryers.

With almost an hour on the clock, Everton came within inches of an equaliser. Magaye Gueye smashed a left-footed shot onto the bar with United keeper Ben Amos a spectator.

Ross Barkley showcased his talent with a free-kick and a long-range strike, but it was United who scored the second - and decisive - goal. McGinty crossed and forward Lingard secured the win on 82 minutes.

Everton Reserves 2-0 Sunderland Reserves

Everton's second string recorded a 2-0 victory over Sunderland on Tuesday afternoon thanks to a late strike from Conor McAleny and an own goal from Sunderland's Liam Marrs.

Marcus Hahnemann started his first game since joining the club and the American custodian was joined in making his reserve team debut by 16-year-old left-back Ibou Touray. German U20 defender Shkodran Mustafi was joined in central defence by Jake Bidwell - a left-back by trade - whilst Tyias Browning played at right-back.

Adam Forshaw and Magaye Gueye operated the flanks with James Wallace and Ross Barkley in the centre of midfield. Argentine Denis Stracqualursi partnered the returning James McFadden up front.

The Everton bench consisted of; Adam Davies, John Lundstram, Femi Orenuga, Conor McAleny and Anton Forrester.

It was midfielder - and Everton captain - James Wallace who had the game's first opportunity, firing wide from 25 yards after 12 minutes. At the other end Tyias Browning was forced into making a goal-line clearance after a dangerous Sunderland corner.

It was Wallace who had the best chance of the opening period. French winger Magaye Gueye sent in a low ball but the resulting shot from the onrushing Wallace was just over the crossbar.

Marcus Hahnemann was called into action to save a half-volley from Sunderland's Jordan Cook, but an exciting first-half was to end on a sour note for Everton as forward Denis Stracqualursi picked up an injury. He was replaced by Anton Forrester, who has been scoring for fun in the U18s.

Scotsman James McFadden was withdrawn at the break and replaced by young Conor McAleny. Everton had the better of the opening second-half exchanges, with substitute McAleny and Gueye both going close.

The blustery conditions almost contrived to thwart Everton as Hahnemann misjudged a cross, but Tyias Browning was there again to clear. Ross Barkley had a shot deflected over before Everton made their third and final substitution as James Wallace made way for Femi Orenuga.

Everton's pressure told when they took the lead on 82 minutes. Adam Forshaw's cross, aimed for the lurking Anton Forrester, hit the unfortunate Sunderland defender Liam Marrs and flew into the net.

A minute later Everton doubled the lead. Conor McAleny capitalised on an error by David Meyler and raced through to put Everton 2 goals to the good.

Marcus Hahnemann made sure his first game ended with a clean sheet with a superb save from Sunderland's Roarie Deacon and the game ended 2-0.

Norwich City Reserves 2-1 Everton Reserves

A youthful Everton reserve side lost 2-1 to Norwich at Carrow Road on Tuesday night in their third fixture of the season.

The visitors were missing a host of players for various reasons. Both regular centre backs Shane Duffy and Shkodran Mustafi were away on international duty with Ireland U21 and Germany U19 respectively.

Nigerian duo Yakubu and Joseph Yobo, who had both featured in the second string's opening two games, were also absent form the squad. Yobo is expected to complete his protracted transfer to Fenerbahce tomorrow, whilst Yakubu could also be on his way out.

That meant that coach Alan Stubbs had a young set of players from which to choose from and the selected starting eleven was: Davies, Browning, Nsiala, Dier, Bidwell, Orenuga, Lundstram, Forshaw, Garbutt, Baxter, McAleny.

Everton took the lead just before half time when, after Norwich goalkeeper Remi Matthews had made a smart double save, midfielder John Lundstram scored from range.

In front of a crowd that included ex-Everton and current Norwich forward James Vaughan, the canaries fought hard in the second half and grabbed a deserved equaliser on 73 minutes through Richard Brindley.

Minutes later the home side won a penalty when Andrew Surman went over in the box. The same player picked himself up and took the spot-kick, but Adam Davies in the Everton goal saved the effort - just as Tim Howard had done for the senior side at Ewood Park on Saturday.

The fixture looked to be heading for a draw but Norwich stole all three points in injury time through Aaron Wilbraham and Everton left empty-handed.

Oxford United 1-0 Everton XI

As a Southern Toffee at a loose end on a Friday night, I headed along to see the 'stars of tomorrow' in action against Oxford United yesterday. The young Toffees put in a strong performance but were sunk by a fantastic James Constable volley.

Alan Stubbs' squad included five players that had joined up with the first team on the recent American tour; Ross Barkley, Magaye Gueye, Conor McAleny, Apostolos Vellios and goalkeeper Adam Davies.

After paying my £14 - yes, £14 for a reserve friendly - I was admitted into the Kassam Stadium. It was, quite frankly a bit shit. The most obvious thing about the ground was that it only had three sides, a fact that, to the continuous annoyance of the ballboys, meant that anytime a shot flew over the fence behind the goal, it would have to be found somewhere in the car park.

I only just arrived in time for kick off after getting trapped in Friday night traffic, although luckily the 60s style scoreboard told me that the line up was; Davies, Browning, Duffy, Mustafi, Garbutt, Orenuga, Forshaw, Barkley, Gueye, McAleny, Vellios.

With it being a youthful side against a full-strength League 2 side, I was expecting quite an even game. The first half proved anything but. Everton dominated proceedings with Barkley and Forshaw in centre midfield controlling the game.

I had been looking forward to seeing Barkley play for the first time, and I wasn't disappointed. Although he faded a little after the break, for the first 45 minutes he was the best player on the park. His touch, control and passing were all flawless, he always looked for a forward pass or a run and he was utterly comfortable on the ball. He was the creative hub of the team and bore likeness to an on-song Mikel Arteta.

Winger Femi Orenuga also impressed on the right-hand side. He is quick and skilful and reminded me somewhat of Shaun Wright-Phillips. On countless occasions he beat his man and delivered teasing crosses into the box.

Conor McAleny looked lively throughout and was always on the move. He was denied by the foot of the post, shortly before Magaye Gueye had warmed the keeper's gloves with a rasping free-kick. It was fair to say that Everton had the best of the first half, but Vellios' headed effort shortly before the break was another missed opportunity.

Vellios was replaced by Joao Silva at half-time, with Lundstram, Hope and Bidwell all entering the fray later in the second period. Oxford came back into the game and almost went ahead when Tyias Browning's short backpass was well dealt with under pressure by goalkeeper Adam Davies.

Everton should have taken the lead shortly afterwards with a solo counter attack from Ross Barkley. The blue-booted youngster 'did a Beckford' and ran with the ball from inside his own half towards the opposition goal. He was joined by Silva and Orenuga, but elected to try to chip the 'keeper rather than pass. His shot went just wide and that was just about the last action we saw of him as he was withdrawn by Alan Stubbs.

Oxford scored what proved to be the winner on 58 minutes - and it was a goal worthy of winning any match. The ball sat up nicely on the edge of the area and James Constable needed no invitation, sending a powerful volley into the top left hand corner. Unstoppable.

Oxford held onto the lead but it was a pleasing performance from the young Toffees, who did threaten later on in the game through Orenuga and Duffy. It ended 1-0 but as we all know the results are irrelevant in pre-season.

For me, it was an enjoyable evening and a good opportunity to see first hand tomorrow's Goodison heroes.

Remember the name - Ross Barkley.

StickyToffee Ratings: Davies 6, Browning 5, Duffy 6, Mustafi 8, Garbutt 7, Orenuga 8, Forshaw 7, Barkley 8, Gueye 6, McAleny 6, Vellios 5.

Subs: Silva 5, Bidwell 5, Hope 5, Lundstram 5

Southport 2-0 Everton XI

An Everton XI was well beaten by Southport this afternoon in the final of the 2011 Liverpool Senior Cup as goals from Karl Ledschan and former Everton youngster John Paul Kissock handed the Sandgrounders a deserved 2-0 victory.

The Everton side was Mateusz Taudul, Tyias Browning, Shane Duffy, Shkodran Mustafi, Jake Bidwell, Jordan Barrow, Adam Forshaw, Jose Baxter, John Lundstram, Luke Garbutt and Joao Silva.

The Blues were behind in just 90 seconds, as a long throw-in was not dealt with by the Everton defence and turned home by Ledschan. Southport doubled their advantage on eight minutes as the outstanding Kissock curled in a free-kick from 30 yards.

Everton, without Conor McAleny and Apostolos Vellios who are in America with the first team, failed to recover from the two early goals.

Anton Forrester, Adam Forshaw and Adam Thomas all came on to try to salvage the result but all Everton's efforts were in vain.

It was a below-par performance which ended in Southport running out comfortable winners. Captain Jose Baxter tweeted: "For anyone who came to watch us today I can only apologise because we were awful."

Dynamo Moscow 0-2 Everton Reserves

Everton deservedly secured third place in the 2011 VTB Lev Yashin Cup with a convincing 2-0 win over hosts Dynamo Moscow on Saturday afternoon. The Toffees missed a penalty and received a harsh sending off before a Conor McAleny brace secured an impressive 2-0 victory.

Everton's captain Jose Baxter saw his first-half spot-kick hit the crossbar after Joao Silva was hauled down inside the area. The scores were level at the break, and after the interval Everton were soon down to 10 men following the dismissal of Aristote Nsiala.

Everton showed their fighting spirit and a double from Conor McAleny was enough to earn a bronze medal, whilst simultaneously making sure that it was an awful weekend for the hosts.

* * *

After seeing his charges lose narrowly to German side SC Freiburg on Friday, coach Alan Stubbs made four changes to his U21 line-up. Conor McAleny replaced Apostolos Vellios in attack, Luke Garbutt came in for Jake Bidwell at left-back, Jordan Barrow took up the central midfield role in place of John Lundstram and, in a late change, Shkodran Mustafi pulled out and was replaced by Aristote Nsiala in the heart of defence.

That meant that Everton lined up in a 4-4-2 formation as follows: Adam Davies; Tyias Browning, Aristote Nsiala, Shane Duffy, Luke Garbutt; Jordan Barrow, Jose Baxter (c), Adam Forshaw, Araz Abdullayev; Conor McAleny, Joao Silva.

The Everton substitutes were; Mateusz Taudul, Jake Bidwell, Shkodran Mustafi, John Lundstram, Anton Forrester, Apostolos Vellios and Hallam Hope.

Everton started the game brightly an Joao Silva was presented with the game's first real chance after being sent clean through. The Portuguese forward lifted the ball over the 'keeper, but his shot clipped the post and bounced agonisingly out of play. Conor McAleny also had a good chance in a lively opening spell from for the visitors.

Minutes later, and with Everton doing all the pressing, Silva was hauled down inside the area and the referee had no option but to award Everton a penalty. Jose Baxter stepped up, but drilled his effort against the crossbar and the sides remained level at the break.

At the interval Vellios was introduced as Everton pushed for a breakthrough goal, and recently-signed Polish goalkeeper Mateusz Taudul came on for his Everton debut.

Soon after the interval Everton found themselves down to 10 men after defender Aristote Nsiala received his marching orders. A yellow for an 'elbow' was quickly followed by another for dissent (from a Russian referee whom he could barely understand), and the centre-half was harshly sentenced to an early bath.

Undeterred, Everton kept pressing and no sooner had Nsiala finished running his bath had Everton taken the lead. Greek substitute Apostolos Vellios put through Conor McAleny, who lifted the ball over the 'keeper to put the 10 men in front.

McAleny notched his and Everton's second just a few minutes later to cap off an excellent display by the Young Toffees, who will return to England with the bronze medal.

Everton Reserves 0-1 SC Freiburg

An U-21 Everton side lost by a solitary goal to SC Freiburg in the VTB Lev Yashin Cup in Moscow this evening, and will now face hosts Dynamo Moscow in tomorrow's 3rd/4th place play-off.

Adam Davies donned the gloves in goal for Everton and was protected by a back four of Tyias Browning, Shkodran Mustafi, Shane Duffy and Jake Bidwell. Captain Jose Baxter lined up in midfield alongside John Lundstram, Adam Forshaw and surprise inclusion Araz Abdullayev. There was a Portu-Greek combination up front as Joao Silva partnered Apostolos Vellios in attack.

New signing Mateusz Taudul was named on the bench and was joined by Aristote Nsiala, Conor McAleny, Jordan Barrow, Hallam Hope, Luke Garbutt and Anton Forrester.

Azerbaijani winger Abduallayev, 19, was invited along to the tournament by Everton, who last year secured first option on the Neftchi Baku player - subject to the youngster being able to obtain a work permit.

Except for the official Everton updates on Twitter - which were hampered by internet problems - there was not a hint of coverage of the match on the internet.

From the little I could gather, however, Everton started well and centre-half Mustafi was denied by a great save from the Freiburg goalkeeper. However, the Blues fell behind just after the half-hour mark to a 25-yard strike from Freiburg's Erich Sautner.

Despite some positive play from skipper Baxter, and a penalty appeal from Hallam Hope, 1-0 was how it stayed as the young squad were unable to find a second-half equaliser.

In the other game in the 4-team tournament, Serbian side OFK Belgrad defeated hosts Dynamo Moscow 3-1, meaning that the final will be contested between OFK Belgrad and Freiburg, whilst Everton will face Dynamo Moscow in the 3rd/4th place play-off.

Those fixtures will be played tomorrow - be sure to check back then to see how the Blues fare.

Youngster Long In England Squad

Everton's academy striker Chris Long has been named in Kenny Swain's England U-17 squad for the upcoming Nordic tournament, which will see the Young Lions travel to Iceland.

Long was one of nine academy starlets who graduated into becoming full-time footballers at Everton earlier this month, and has now been named as part of the 18-man squad that will take part in the annual Summer friendly tournament.

England will face opposition from the Faroe Islands, Norway and Iceland before a final placing match against either Sweden, Denmark, Finland or a second Iceland team.

Long will follow in the footsteps of Jack Rodwell and Jake Bidwell, who both previously competed in the tournament, and Tyias Browning, Jasper Johns and John Lundstram, who were part of the England squad that took home last year's trophy.

Long has represented England at U-16 level during the 2010 Victory Shield, and also played for Everton at the 2010 Future Champions tournament in Brazil.

England Out After Defeat To Germany

Hallam Hope and John Lundstram both featured as England U17s followed in the footsteps of their senior counterparts and were knocked out of the World Cup by Germany.

England fell behind after just 7 minutes, when a long ball over the top of England's defence was not dealt with by Jordan Pickford in the England goal, and left Bayer Leverkusen's Samed Yesil had the simple task of slotting home into an empty net.

The Germans, managed by Duncan Ferguson's best mate Steffan Freund, soon doubled their lead. Pickford's punch from a corner failed to clear the danger, with Kaan Ayhan of Schalke prodding home after a shot from the edge of the area.

England began the second period brightly and captain Nathaniel Chalobah produced a wonderful bicycle kick that was met by an even better save. Hallam Hope also saw his header fly just wide.

The Germans extended their lead with their next attack, with Yesil tapping in his second of the game after his team-mates had all too easily cut through England's defence.

England were handed a lifeline on 67 minutes in the shape of a penalty kick, which was well converted by centre-half Sam Magri. Shortly afterwards John Lundstram was replaced by Jack Dunn as England sensed an unlikely comeback.

A couple of attacking substitutions paid dividends as England pulled another goal back on 82 minutes. An awful error from a German defender allowed Nathan Redmond possession. Redmond shot, the goalkeeper could only parry and Hallam Hope was on hand to tap in the rebound. 3-2.

4 minutes of injury time proved fruitless as England could not force a penalty shoot-out, and their second-half efforts were ultimately without significant reward.

England's efforts for the game, and the whole World Cup, were perfectly summed up by the commentator on Eurosport in no more than two words: "brave failure".

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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...

News round-up; Vaughan, Mustafi and Lundstram

A few snippets of new for you all this afternoon, starting with some developments on the James Vaughan front. Yesterday I brought you the story that James Vaughan was a target for newly-promoted Norwich City, with the fee was rumoured to be in the region of £750,000. Today, however, the muted price has more than tripled, with Sky Sports reporting that Paul Lambert is prepared to offer £2.5 million. Norwich chairman Steve Parish said "it is going to be difficult for us to compete with top-flight clubs", and it looks as if the injury-prone youngster is on his way to Carrow Road.

Next, ToffeeTalk revealed on their Twitter page that young defender Shkodran Mustafi has been called up to the Germany U-19 squad to face Hungary in a European Championship Qualifying game. He seems an exciting prospect for club and country and he's at the best place to have a positive career.

Finally, I would like to share an article from FourFourTwo about teenage midfielder John Lundstram. The Talent Spotter has penned an article describing Lundstram as 'powerful, aggressive and all-action', with an 'impressive range of passing'. Take a look, and keep an eye on Lundstram - another exciting prospect from the academy conveyor belt.

Everton U18s defeat Fulham in Final

Everton's academy showed the first team how it's done as they were crowned the best academy side in the country at Craven Cottage on Friday night.

Their victory is made even more impressive by the fact that their opponents were Fulham, and therefore the Thames-side venue was hardly a neutral one. The young blues were also with three of their most important players: Hallam Hope and John Lundstram were on England duty, whilst Swede Johan Hammar picked up an injury 15 minutes into the semi-final victory over Aston Villa.

The side, managed by Ray Hall and coached by a team including Neil Dewsnip and Everton legend Kevin Sheedy, fell behind just after the 70th minute, but showed togetherness and true Everton spirit to overturn the deficit and return to Mersyside as champions.

From what I've read the affair wasn't the liveliest but some Everton youngsters showed promise, especially Sporting Lisbon loanee Eric Dier. He had a good game alongside Jake Bidwell in the heart of Everton's defence, although he made a slight error that might well have cost the visitors a penalty.

Various reports have also singled out Connor McAleny, who has sat on the first-team bench a few times this season, and Tom Donegan.

McAleny: star of the future?

The game kicked into life in the final 20 minutes. First Fulham took the lead when forward Ross Minkwitz fired a low shot into the corner from 12 yards on 74 minutes. The goal seemed to galvanise the young toffees who hit back, inspired by forward Adam Thomas. Thomas equalised on 81 minutes, capitalising on a poor Fulham clearance to slot home.

The scorer then turned provider, crossing for substitute George Waring to plant a header over the keeper and into the net. The goal cued wild celebrations which continued after the academy side managed to hold on and lift the U18 League Trophy.

The young toffees celebrate taking the lead

Captain fantastic: Jake Bidwell with the trophy

Congratulations to the young blues!