Pickford 'undisputed number one' published at 16:06 BST 9 October
16:06 BST 9 October
Media caption,
Former Everton goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, says there should be "zero debate" over Jordan Pickford's starting role for England.
The 32-year-old has 93 senior caps for the Three Lions but was left on the bench by Thomas Tuchel for two of their Nations League games during the international break - the defeat by Spain and the 2-0 win over Czech Republic - as Leeds United's James Trafford took the spot instead.
But Begovic told BBC Radio Merseyside that any criticism towards Pickford is "because it's 2026 and we get bored easily".
He added: "Pickford is the undisputed number one, no reason not to be.
"I fully understand Tuchel giving other players games, but in terms of being number one, it's Pickford [because of] everything he has done for club and country for quite a number of years.
"He's been incredibly impressive, very significant and I've seen first-hand how good he is."
He went on to say "maybe I shouldn't be that surprised" and cited the "difficult summer" Everton had in the transfer window.
In response to whether he feels let down by the club based on what he was told on his return: "No, because I love this club. They could have sold me it at any time and I'd still have taken it. But it's for Evertonians that I am more disappointed. They have been through so many difficult periods and the last thing they really wanted to hear was this."
He said a quick sale would be beneficial for the club and he is "looking forward to getting the right people in to take the club further forward". Moyes added: "It's a great club. If anyone wants to speak to me then I will be the first person to let them know that it is certainly worth buying."
On the fans facing more uncertainty: "Evertonians are galvanized more when there's a situation where they know the team and manager needs help. We stick together. I don't want it to feel unstable. We have to try to keep it moving forward, not backwards."
In response to Manchester City'sguilty verdict, external, Moyes said: "I wasn't here when it was difficult for Everton, when things were bad. Looking at it now from where I am sitting, it looks terrible that we have been docked points and paid some fines - and not that long ago. There's other things that have been going on, nearly 10 years ago, that have not been dealt with. I find that really difficult."
More from Moyes on City's potential punishment: "I hope it's not just Everton who are getting picked on here. I think we get picked on by the referees and every other area as well."
The Toffees boss feels "everyone has been a bit fed up with the three-week break" and "it's like another start to the league", except this time the players have had less preparation.
Left-back Vitalii Mykolenko "has got a chance" of being available against Hull City and "the extra day might help, we will see".
On summer signing Christian Norgaard: "He's making progress, but I don't know if he's quite ready yet to be involved. With the numbers being so short then it might be something I have to look at, but if I had my way then I'd give him a bit more time if I could."
Moyes insisted no-one "will take Hull City lightly because they have started the season so well," adding: "We certainly won't. It will be a tough game, but we think we can keep growing and keep winning."
News of potential Everton sale 'a shock' - Brown-Finnispublished at 12:32 BST 9 October
12:32 BST 9 October
Image source, Getty Images
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast, former Everton goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis described the news that Blues owners The Friedkin Group (TFG) is exploring the sale of the club less than two years after taking control as a "shock".
The American group completed a takeover of the club in 2024 in a deal believed to be worth in excess of £400m.
In a statement, TFG said after prioritising stability, investment and the opening of Everton's new stadium last year, the time is right "to consider the next chapter".
It added it will only "entertain interest from parties who we strongly believe will be the right stewards to take the club forward".
"It's come as a bit of a shock," said Brown-Finnis. "They have stabilised the club. There was so much financial uncertainty when they arrived - it's felt like a turbulent time.
"We [Everton] have a stadium to be crazily proud of. It's going to generate revenue from a commercial point of view.
"If The Friedkin Group sell up tomorrow, they have left the club in a much better place. I just hope they do their due diligence.
"I hope the new owners want to drive the club forward. Everton fans have spent too much time in a financially turbulent era."
'An unspectacular tenure'published at 10:36 BST 9 October
10:36 BST 9 October
Phil McNulty Chief football writer
Image source, Getty Images
The decision of Everton's owners The Friedkin Group (TFG), to explore selling the club comes as no great surprise after the turbulent events of recent times.
A fracture opened up between TFG and Everton's fanbase over the controversial attempt to sell highly-rated teenager Harrison Armstrong late in the transfer window, before a botched deadline day left manager David Moyes with only 18 senior outfield players.
The failed sale of Armstrong, as well as the departure of Iliman Ndiaye to Manchester City for £65m, was bolted on to a cautious approach to the markets that suggested limited ambition on the part of TFG.
It was in sharp contrast to the more hands-on approach at AS Roma, the other club owned by TFG, who bring in the additional riches of playing in the Champions League.
Moyes revealing he had never spoken to Friedkin, who has not attended an Everton game since the Scot was reappointed as manager 21 months ago, strengthened the belief among supporters that TFG were effectively absentee owners.
TFG secured a deal for 99.5% of the club, succeeding former owner Farhad Moshiri in 2024 after Everton had fallen into financial crisis.
Since then, TFG have put the club on a stable financial footing and Everton have moved into a new stadium - although this was effectively done before their takeover - and have made the club an attractive proposition to potential buyers.
This will be TFG's main achievement in what will, when Everton is sold, be regarded as an unspectacular tenure.
Alcaraz 'deserves more of a chance'published at 10:35 BST 9 October
10:35 BST 9 October
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Everton fan Liam Kiz from Outside The Box podcast believes Charly Alcaraz deserves more playing time because he has qualities the Toffees have been missing in the opening five games of the season.
The Argentine has featured twice this campaign from the bench but played and scored the decisive goal against Wolves in the Carabao Cup fourth round in September.
"He definitely deserves more of a chance than what he has got," Kiz told BBC Radio Merseyside. "When he came in, I remember watching him and thinking: 'We have a player on our hands here.'
"There were a couple of games where he was our best player on the pitch. He picked up a couple of injuries and it dwindled out, but he looked sharp against Wolves.
"He looks like a player who likes to pick up the ball, is aggressive and progressive going forward, and I think we miss some of that.
"Hopefully, he does get his chance in the upcoming games."
Listen to Kiz's full conversation on Alcaraz, the left-back situation and David Moyes' future by pressing play below, or listen on BBC Sounds here
The Houston-based group completed a takeover of the club in 2024 in a deal believed to be worth in excess of £400m.
In a statement, TFG say after prioritising stability, investment and the opening of Everton's new stadium last year, the time is right "to consider the next chapter".
"The Friedkin Group is exploring new investment options for Everton Football Club, including the potential sale of a controlling interest," the ownership said in the statement released on Friday.
"When TFG became custodians of Everton, the Club faced significant financial uncertainty and challenges both on and off the pitch. The immediate priority was to provide the stability, investment and support needed to secure the Club's future, including helping to bring the long-promised stadium to completion for its deserving supporters.
"With that foundation now safely in place, the time is right to consider the next chapter for Everton. We will only entertain interest from parties who we strongly believe will be the right stewards to take the Club forward and build on the momentum that has been established.
"Throughout this process, TFG's focus will remain unchanged. We will support the Club in all ways necessary to achieve success on the pitch and will continue efforts to make a positive difference in the communities the Club serves.
"TFG and the Club will not be commenting further while this work is under way. Moelis & Company has been retained by TFG."
How do you feel about the Friedkin Group being open to selling so soon after their takeover? What impact will this have on the short and long-term future of the club?
Gossip: Everton keen on Brazil midfielder Sarapublished at 07:09 BST 9 October
07:09 BST 9 October
Everton and Newcastle United are both keen on Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara. The 27-year-old Brazil midfielder spent two years with Norwich City before moving to Turkey. (Webaslan), external
How similar will the table look at the end of the season?published at 07:00 BST 9 October
07:00 BST 9 October
Chris Collinson BBC Sport statistician
Just five games in, it might seem a bit early to pay much attention to the Premier League table - but it's probably more settled than you think.
If we look at the Premier League after five games last season and where teams ultimately ended up, the final table was already starting to take shape as 13 of the 20 sides finished within four places of where they sat even at this early stage (65%).
Eventual champions Arsenal were second, Sunderland were already seventh - where they finished eight months later - and two of the three sides that were relegated were already in the bottom three.
The eventual champions have been in the top two at this point in the past four campaigns, suggesting - potential punishments aside - it will be Manchester City or Arsenal that lifts the trophy.
The top end of the table overall has sometimes settled surprisingly quickly in recent years. The top eight after five games in 2024-25 finished as the top eight at the end of that season (although not in the same order), while the top six in 2019-20 and top seven in 2016-17 were also in place at this early stage.
While being top after five games has not meant much in recent seasons, being bottom certainly has.
Tottenham could well be in trouble once again as the side bottom of the Premier League after five games has been relegated in six of the past seven seasons.
Being bottom this early did not used to be such a bad omen. Between 2013-14 and 2018-19, only one of the six sides that were propping up the table after five games ended up going down - Newcastle in 2015-16 - while Crystal Palace finished as high as 11th in 2017-18.
Looking at the relegation battle more broadly, at least one of the teams in the bottom three at this stage has been relegated in the past eight seasons - so one of Tottenham, Fulham and Coventry City are very likely to be heading to the Championship in May.
The pool of contestants for this season's relegation battle may already be decided too because the three sides that ultimately went down in the past three seasons were all in the bottom six after five games, which would add Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace to the mix.
The last sides to be outside the bottom six at this point but relegated were Leeds United and Southampton in 2022-23, who were both in the top half (seventh and ninth). With their teams currently in eighth and 11th place, Hull City and Ipswich Town fans will hope that is still the case at the end of this campaign.
While the season may well have barely begun, the Premier League table is already starting to take shape.
Why Moyes having his back against the wall can suit himpublished at 12:04 BST 8 October
12:04 BST 8 October
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The Unholy Trinity podcast's Lee Parry says David Moyes is "the right man" for what Everton "need right now".
Moyes has entered the final year of his current deal and there has been speculation surrounding his future. He also voiced his frustration at the club's lack of business bringing in players over the summer.
"There was an undercurrent of noise before the season started in terms of his contract and how we finished last season," Parry told BBC Radio Merseyside.
"But, nobody gave us a chance of finishing in Europe in that first season at the new stadium. It was all about consolidation and we came very close. We dared to dream and just fell short of it.
"There are some fans who will just never take to David after the way he left the first time round, but I am not one of those.
"Since he's come back he's very much steadied the ship, and I would say even more than that.
"He said we needed more bodies before the end of the window and we ended up with two fewer. His back is against the wall with the lack of transfers in and losing players, but I think that can suit him.
"For what we need right now, I think he is the right man. We all know the mess the club was in, particularly off the field but almost getting relegated [as well]."
Tarkowski's 'experienced head' vital for Toffeespublished at 12:17 BST 7 October
12:17 BST 7 October
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As the 2026-27 season dawned, Everton fans would be forgiven for being filled with trepidation after a poor summer transfer window.
However, five games into the Premier League campaign and yet to taste defeat has eased some of that concern around David Moyes' side.
Although Toffees skipper James Tarkowski had 146 top-flight appearances under his belt for Everton before the start of the season, questions were being asked about whether he was the right man to have a place in the starting XI.
"I'll hold my hands up, I thought maybe we should be looking at a Jarrad Branthwaite and a Jake O'Brien partnership to start the season," BBC Radio Merseyside's Phil Munns said. "David Moyes has not done that and Tarkowski has not done badly."
Toffees fan Patric Ridge would, however, prefer an O'Brien and Branthwaite partnership for "the long term" but acknowledged Tarkowski's relationship at the back with Branthwaite has been "reliable" so far this season.
"Everton have got a young and small squad, [but] you do sometimes need those elder statesmen to provide that steady hand," he said.
"To have that steady presence on the pitch, that experienced head, that really helps.
"I do think that was overlooked at the start of the season. We needed that leadership in there."
Listen to more on Tarkowski by pressing play below or on BBC Sounds here
Rival clubs want range of punishments for Man Citypublished at 07:09 BST 7 October
07:09 BST 7 October
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A number of Premier League clubs want Manchester City to be hit with both "retrospective punishments" and sanctions for the future for their mass financial rule-breaking, sources have told BBC Sport.
An independent commission found City guilty of all charges relating to breaches of the Premier League's financial regulations between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons.
City have appealed against the verdict, while the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is poised to look at the findings to see if there may be any suggestions of potential misconduct.
However, there is said to be a consensus among a group of top-flight club executives that if City's appeal is unsuccessful, the sanctions should make reparations for the period when they broke the rules, while also limiting their powers in future.
There is also a feeling from at least four Premier League boardrooms that a "one-hit" points deduction resulting in relegation to the Championship would be an insufficient punishment given the severity of City's wrongdoing.
Will Grealish be 'automatic starter' for Everton this season?published at 08:43 BST 6 October
08:43 BST 6 October
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BBC Radio Merseyside's Phil Munns has questioned whether Jack Grealish will be a nailed-on starter for Everton this season, with competition in his position from Tyrique George, Brennan Johnson and Tyler Dibling.
When Grealish signed for the club on loan from Manchester City last campaign, he hit the ground running but missed the majority of the second half of the season with a stress fracture in his foot.
The 31-year-old has only started one game for the Toffees so far this term - in the 1-0 victory over Ipswich in the last game before the international break - and the form of those playing in the same area as him has led some to question whether he will be guaranteed a spot in the starting XI throughout the campaign.
Speaking on BBC Radio Merseyside's Toffees Unwrapped, Munns said: "I think many people would assume that Jack Grealish will be in the starting XI whenever he is fit and available - should he be, though?
"Based on the quality we've seen so far this season from the likes of Tyrique George, I know he can play left or right, Dibling, we've only really seen on the right, Grealish, we only really see on the left but people think he could have a role in the middle as a 10. There's a lot of moving parts that would have to happen, that's Dewsbury-Hall's position.
"I do wonder if Jack Grealish will be an automatic starter for Everton this season."
Co-host Mike Hughes responded: "I think he probably will for the most part, and I think that's a good thing.
"What I do think is there were periods when Jack Grealish was fabulous for Everton in the first part of last season. He played virtually no part of the second part of last season because of injury, but I think there were occasions when Jack Grealish could've done with a rest in the first half of the season.
"He had a few matches where he was a little bit, by his standards, quite dull, not able to contribute in the way that we've come to expect of him, the type of footballer that he is. That's something that David Moyes is going to have that would be advantageous for him, advantageous for Tyrique George, Tyler Dibling, and Brennan Johnson."
🎧Toffees Unwrapped: Hull previewpublished at 16:23 BST 5 October
16:23 BST 5 October
On the latest Toffees Unwrapped podcast, BBC Radio Merseyside's Phil Munns, Mike Hughes and Ian Kennedy discuss selection dilemmas at left back and on the wings.
Plus, the team celebrates the return of the Premier League following the extended international break as the Toffees get back to action with a trip away to Hull City.
Listen to the podcast in full by pressing play below or on BBC Sounds here
Gossip: Balogun wants move to Premier Leaguepublished at 07:58 BST 5 October
07:58 BST 5 October
Monaco striker Folarin Balogun, 25, is still interested in a move to the Premier League despite the USA international's proposed switch to Everton collapsing on deadline day. (Talksport), external
🎧A-Z: Neville, Newell and 'clever and talented' Nevinpublished at 18:22 BST 2 October
18:22 BST 2 October
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In the latest episode of BBC Radio Merseyside's Everton A to Z, we have reached the letter N.
Paul Salt, Ian Kennedy, Mike Hughes and Carl Woodward discuss three former Toffees players - Phil Neville, Mike Newell and Pat Nevin, the latter of whom also played across the water with Tranmere Rovers.
On Nevin, who made 136 appearances for Everton between 1998 and 1992, Hughes praised the winger's ability on the ball, but also his reputation for being one of the game's thinkers.
"He is an educated chap but I do think that modicum has followed him round the game a little bit to his detriment.
"He used to do a lot for the football fanzines when they first came to prominence and somebody made the point that Pat Nevin was sat in the dressing room reading The Guardian. People reacted as if footballers are some other gag of human being who don't all read different newspapers.
"That did allow him to be 'criticised' by some elements of the football fanship.
"He is a really educated guy, but he was also a really talented footballer and his spirit of football, that took him to another level. When he was at his very best was because he was so clever. He was a clever footballer in the way he ran with the ball, the way he had this 'jinky Jim' outlook running down the wing and getting past people.
"He is a player that will be always revered in footballing terms because he was so good at his very best."
Being benched 'not normal for me' but competition 'always good' - Pickfordpublished at 15:54 BST 2 October
15:54 BST 2 October
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Everton's Jordan Pickford says "it's always good to have competition" after he was left on the bench for England's past two games by boss Thomas Tuchel.
The 32-year-old has been an almost ever-present for the Three Lions since his debut in 2017, making 91 appearances and being first choice at five major tournaments, but Leeds United's James Trafford was the pick for the Nations League defeat by Spain and win over Czech Republic.
"Yeah it is not often I do that [be on the bench] for club or country," Pickford told a new conference before England's Nations League game against Croatia on Saturday.
"The manager told me the reasons why. It was good for me to see where I'm at. It's about me being a good team-mate with good energy around the place and train well and have that leadership role. I think I've done it really well over the last two games.
"It's not normal for me but, first and foremost, the manager asks to be the best team-mate. I love playing but if I'm watching, I just want the best for England and that's to win and I think I dealt with it really well.
"It was different, but we have also been together in a cycle now for two years. Trafford started really well for Leeds. It's been a good unit around us for the last two years. That's what the manager said and you have to respect that decision."
Pickford is set to start on Saturday and in Tuesday's reverse fixture against Czech Republic at Wembley, and believes having the competition from Trafford is a good thing.
"I feel for me personally, it's always good to have good competition. I've always said in interviews I've always wanted that competition," he added.
"We have a good crop of goalkeepers coming through and it's a credit to England to have that and may it continue for longer.
"I'll always push myself at the club to be the best version of me and keep getting those caps. You can't let your foot off the gas at any time, you want to push yourself to be who you want to be."
'I'm always trying to learn away from the pitch'published at 09:37 BST 2 October
09:37 BST 2 October
Nizaar Kinsella Football reporter
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"I don't want to stop playing and then just sit around doing nothing - and this was something that genuinely interested me."
Everton midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is describing his postgraduate diploma in global football sport directorship from the PFA Business School.
For now, of course, the 28-year-old - who is in the best form of his career - remains focused on playing football, but among this year's graduates might be future coaches, executives and sporting directors who go on to influence the game in different ways.
"I hope I've got a long time left in football but, as a person, I'm always trying to learn and develop away from the pitch," the former Leicester City and Chelsea player told BBC Sport.
"Whether I use it in the future, we will see - but it is always good to do it now rather than wait until you have finished playing.
"If the time ever comes when an opportunity presents itself, luckily I've got something that can help me."
The course is designed to run alongside a football career. For example, seminars are scheduled to minimise clashes with matches and training sessions.
Players can also study in their own time, although Dewsbury-Hall said he had some "weird looks" while studying on an iPad during journeys home from away games.
"Maybe some players just don't want to do things like this, but they easily could. It's just not their passion," added Dewsbury-Hall.
"I'm not saying this is my passion, but it's something I've done to show that footballers can complete these kinds of courses while they are still playing. Who knows where it will lead?"
Armstrong and Nyoni called-up to England Under-21spublished at 15:20 BST 1 October
15:20 BST 1 October
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Everton and Liverpool youngsters Harrison Armstrong and Trey Nyoni have been called-up to the England under-21s squad to replace Dortmund's Jobe Bellingham and Newcastle United's Lewis Miley.
Armstrong will join Toffees team-mates Tyler Dibling and Tyrique George for his first call-up to the under-21s squad.
Nyoni, 19, has been capped by England up to under-20 level but has not played for the under-21s.
He started in the U20 Euro Elite League 2-1 victory against France on Tuesday, as Armstrong, 19, replaced the Reds' midfielder in the second half.
Lee Carsley's sideplay their final two games of European Championship qualifying campaign against Slovakia on Friday (19:45 BST) before facing the Republic of Ireland 6 October (18:00 BST).
