David Moyes would rather Everton kept playing than have three weeks without a game after Saturday’s win over Ipswich Town.
Elsewhere, Jarrad Branthwaite has been talking after returning to the England squad, Hayden Hackney is settling in nicely, and Everton supporters could eventually have more options for getting to and from the Hill Dickinson.
Moyes isn’t keen on three-week break
Saturday’s 1-0 win over Ipswich made it seven games unbeaten in all competitions. Everton now don’t play again for three weeks, with 11 members of Moyes’ first-team squad away on international duty and another 11 remaining at Finch Farm.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Moyes said: “I’d be surprised if it was a benefit from where we are; I think we’d rather the league continue. “We do have international breaks, but this is the longest one I can remember.” Those staying behind will get some extra time off and train differently, while Moyes expects clubs to arrange in-house games during the break.
Christian Norgaard and Merlin Rohl will also have more time to work towards their returns from injury.
Branthwaite back with England
Branthwaite has credited Everton for helping him back into the England squad after a difficult spell with injuries.
“All of the hard work and rehab has made it worthwhile,” he said. “I’m buzzing to be back in the set-up.”
The 24-year-old spent several weeks working with specialists in Germany during the summer and has started all five of Everton’s Premier League games this season.
He’s also been sticking up for Jordan Pickford. Asked whether his Everton teammate gets enough credit, Branthwaite replied: “Probably not, no.” He went on to call Pickford a “fantastic keeper” and “fantastic person”. You can read Branthwaite’s full verdict on Pickford here.
Hackney enjoying his Everton start
Hayden Hackney has been talking about his first few weeks at the club following his summer move from Middlesbrough.
He says Moyes demands plenty from him without the ball but gives him freedom when Everton have it. Hackney made an impression against Manchester United too, setting up Tyrique George during his 15-minute appearance.
His friends enjoyed that one. Hackney revealed they attended the game at the Hill Dickinson and told him afterwards they “couldn’t even hear” because of the noise.
“They want to be coming every week now!” he said.
Everton’s small squad caught on camera
The club’s 2026/27 team photograph has also been released, and there aren’t many hiding at the back. Just 18 first-team players feature alongside Moyes and his coaching staff.
The Everton squad photo is another reminder of the numbers Moyes is working with, particularly up front, where Thierno Barry is the only specialist senior centre-forward. Beto left during the summer, and a deadline-day move for Folarin Balogun fell through.
Matchday buses and shuttles discussed
Getting to the Hill Dickinson could eventually involve a few more options than it does now.
Matchday buses and shuttle services have been discussed following a meeting involving Everton’s Fan Advisory Board, Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram, Merseyrail, local authorities and the club. The talks followed complaints from supporters about matchday transport and, in particular, Sandhills station.
Ideas include express shuttles, services from other stations and park-and-ride options. Nothing has been agreed yet.
O’Brien and Johnson first up
Everton’s international break starts properly on Thursday night. Jake O’Brien and Brennan Johnson are the first Blues due in action, with both games kicking off at 7.45pm UK time.
O’Brien and the Republic of Ireland travel to Kosovo in League B of the Nations League, while Johnson and Wales have a rather tougher-looking evening away to holders Portugal.
The Ireland game is available on Prime Video in the UK, with Portugal v Wales on BBC One Wales, S4C and BBC iPlayer.
Jordan Pickford and Branthwaite have to wait until Saturday, when England face Spain at Wembley.
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