‘I’m never going to give up’ – Everton star responds to England snub with Coventry goal
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has vowed to keep pushing for his first senior England call-up after scoring in Everton‘s 3-1 comeback victory over Coventry City on Friday night.
The 28-year-old had been left out of Thomas Tuchel’s squad for this month’s Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain, despite the England manager admitting earlier in the day that he had come very close to selection.
Dewsbury-Hall admits England disappointment
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Dewsbury-Hall said: “It was a disappointing morning, I’m not going to lie. It’s a massive dream of mine to play for my country. I know I was close.”
He added: “I’m sad, yeah, but really proud of myself and the way I have reacted.”
The midfielder had good reason to be pleased with his response. After Yann Gboho put Coventry ahead, Thierno Barry scored twice in quick succession before setting up Dewsbury-Hall for Everton’s third goal in the 81st minute.
Advertisement
His powerful finish from a tight angle completed the turnaround and helped David Moyes’ side climb to fifth in the Premier League ahead of the weekend’s remaining fixtures. Dewsbury-Hall made clear that missing out on England selection would not change his approach.
“All I can keep doing is putting in good performances, and hopefully one day I get the nod, because I’m never going to give up,” he said.
Tuchel impressed by Everton midfielder
Tuchel had described Dewsbury-Hall as a standout performer for Everton, explaining that he views him as an attacking No 8 or No 10 rather than a deeper midfielder. David Moyes also backed his England prospects before Friday’s squad announcement, having watched him become an important part of Everton’s midfield.
Dewsbury-Hall will now return his attention to club football, with Everton next in action against Brentford on 23 November.
Advertisement
Read our Everton 3-1 Coventry match report and player ratings for more from Friday’s victory.
For all the latest Everton news, reaction and analysis, visit our Everton news page.**
Gary Gowers is a sports journalist and the editor of Read Everton, where he leads daily coverage of Everton news, transfers and analysis. He also writes about Manchester City for Read Man City and motorsport for Read Motorsport. A former accountant, he became a freelance writer in 2011 and has written for BBC Sport and Metro.
View all articles →