Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall England call-up, Digi Mart USA News: Thomas Tuchel has said Everton midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was ‘very close’ to earning a maiden England call-up for this month’s international break.
Dewsbury-Hall had been in contention for a first-ever England selection this month after an impressive period of form at club level. The 28-year-old has scored twice in the Premier League this season and was named man of the match during Monday’s win at Newcastle United.
Following the win, he expressed hope that he had done enough for England inclusion. “I’ll just keep on trying to put in good performances for Everton,” he said.
“If I’m performing at club level, then that will only give me a better chance to play for my country, and I’ll keep doing that until the day I hang up my boots.”
James Tarkowski and David Moyes both championed the midfielder for selection, but he was not included in Friday’s squad announcement. Everton teammates Jordan Pickford, Jarrad Branthwaite and James Garner all earned selection.
Tuchel was asked about Dewsbury-Hall when he spoke to the media this morning. The German coach discussed his admiration for the player and said he sees him as an attacking option in his system.
However, he acknowledged that the Everton man faces fierce competition for a midfield role.
“He is close. A very good player, a very good season,” Tuchel said.
“I see him, in the way we play now, I don’t see him in central midfield – more as an eight or a 10, in the finishing part of the game.
“The competition is very, very high in our squad in this position.”
“As you know he was in our squad of 55 [for the World Cup]. You can see his quality and he was very close.”
