Photo By Ben McShane/Sportsfile via Getty Images
Photo By Ben McShane/Sportsfile via Getty Images
Everton were heavily represented in England’s U21 side on Tuesday night as they battled Ireland before falling to a 3-1 loss in European Championships qualifying.
England’s U21 side suffered its first loss of qualifying, comprehensively beaten by an impressive Ireland side who secured their play-off spot with the win.
In England’s squad were three Everton players: Harrison Armstrong, Tyler Dibling, and Tyrique George. With all three giving excellent accounts of themselves, with Dibling scoring England’s only goal with a finish from close range. Yet he wasn’t even the most impressive Everton representative.
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Tyrique George and Tyler Dibling impress for England U21
England may have lost, but individually, all three Everton players had positive showings that they will now look to continue building on back at Finch Farm.
Dibling scored, but the best part of his performance was actually nothing to do with that and instead was his brilliant dribbling. He completed four and attempted eight on a really busy night that showed he isn’t short on confidence, despite how little football he’s played.
But it was George who really caught the eye in the 29 minutes he managed to play off the bench for Lee Carsley’s side. In this short cameo, George had four shots as he tried to find a way back into the game for England, and he also created one big chance with two key passes in what was a hugely impactful appearance.
Tyler Dibling: 82 minutes, 7.3 SofaScore rating
Tyrique George: 29 minutes, 7.7 SofaScore rating
Harrison Armstrong: 29 minutes, 6.6 SofaScore rating
Armstrong also got 29 minutes in midfield in a pretty flawless performance in which he had one key pass, completed 94 per cent of his pass attempts, won all his tackles and duels, showing himself in a very positive light compared to others in that midfield.
This performance strengthens the argument for Dibling to play against Hull at the weekend when club football returns at the KC Stadium in the North East. But it will be for David Moyes to find a place to play him when George cannot be dropped either.