Everton conclude a two-game tour of Germany this afternoon against Vfb Stuttgart at the MHPArena.
Hayden Hackney starts but no chance of seeing new signing Christian Norgaard in action as he has failed to join the squad in Germany, where O'Brien and Branthwaite appear to be paired up together as centre-backs, with Rohl filling in again at right-back.
James Garner is still recovering from his 'minor' groin surgery.
First Half
Jarrad Branthwaite led the team out, and the home side got things going, keeping the ball away from Everton for the most part. After Branthwaite halted a very dangerous move, Beto saw a chance to battle his way forward and did well until the final touch which gave the ball to a defender.
O'Brien had to give away a corner, which almost led to a goal, the final shot missing the target from a narrow angle. Dibling had a little run forward with the ball but did not look at all comfortable.
Hackney tried an advanced forward pass that was never on and Stuttgart attacked again, but Everton were seeing more of the ball after 10 minutes.
Alcaraz got a gift ball from the Stuttgart goalie but Beto could not take advantage and shot well wide. There were some good turnovers in midfield but Everton then kept losing the ball.
Some much better passing got the ball forward, Hackney slicing his shot just the wrong side of the angle. But the goal Stuttgart had been threatening from the off came from Nartey who hammered into the toof of the Everton net over Travers.
Everton: Travers, Röhl, O'Brien, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Iroegbunam, Dibling, Armstrong, Hackney, Alcaraz, Beto.
Subs: King, G Pickford, Lukjanciks, Patterson, Keane, Tarkowski, McNeil, Ndiaye, Barry, George, Dewsbury-Hall, Aznou, Graham, Campbell, Foster
>>> Click here to watch VfB Stuttgart v Everton
Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer ()
Team is out
Travers
Rohl
O'Brien
Branthwaite
Mykolenko
Iroegbunam
Hackney
Armstrong
Dibling
Alcaraz
Barry
Ndiaye on bench