Sean Dyche’s Everton squad have now reconvened at Finch Farm after the international break took centre stage.
Jarrad Branthwaite and Jordan Pickford were selected for Gareth Southgate’s England squad, although the former didn’t feature during the Three Lions’ fixtures against Brazil and Belgium.
Vitaliy Mykolenko was away with Ukraine, and Nathan Patterson was with Scotland. However, the £16million signing endured a tough time, with Steve Clarke’s side suffering two damaging defeats in the build-up to their Euro 2024 campaign.
Seamus Coleman has been with the Republic of Ireland, Amadou Onana featured for Belgium at Wembley on Tuesday evening, whilst Idrissa Gana Gueye has been on Senegal duty.
Onana was impressive during Belgium’s draw with England, a fixture in which former Toffee Anthony Gordon was introduced late on.
Amadou Onana sends Anthony Gordon a message after Belgium’s draw with England
Gordon was called up to Gareth Southgate’s senior squad for the first time and impressed during Saturday’s narrow loss to Brazil.
His full debut was followed by ten minutes against Belgium. After the fixture, Gordon quickly commented on Onana’s latest Instagram.
The 23-year-old commented with two emojis before Onana responded with the word “baller”.
How did Amadou Onana play against England?
Onana’s performance against England demonstrated that he can perform at the highest level. He was the heart of the visitors’ midfield and set up Youri Tielemans for Belgium’s opener.
He held his own against a star-studded England midfield, including Kobbie Mainoo, Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham. Furthermore, Phil Foden was eager to drop in and cause issues.
Here are the key statistics from Onana’s performance on Tuesday evening [FotMob]
- 90 minutes
- 1 assist
- 94% pass accuracy
- 1 big chance created
- 53 touches
- 4/4 long balls
- 1 dispossession
- 2 clearances
- 4 interceptions
- 10 defensive actions
- 7 duels won
If Everton want to avoid a difficult end to the season, Onana’s form will be crucial. Although he can sometimes be frustrating, the Belgian is arguably one of the club’s most significant assets.
It should be no surprise to see interest in the former Lille man emerge. Barcelona are the latest in a long line to have taken a look at the midfielder.
However, it’s believed the Catalan club are currently being priced out of a move, with Everton looking for upwards of £50million.
