Thomas Tuchel has told Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall he was very close to being named in his latest England squad. The Everton midfielder had been placed on standby for the recent Nations League fixtures after making the FA's long list for the World Cup in the summer.
There was growing belief that Dewsbury-Hall could be included in Tuchel's squad for the Nations League games against Croatia and Spain later this month. However, the England boss has once again overlooked the midfielder.
Tuchel's assessment
Speaking at a press conference on Friday morning, Tuchel admitted: "He is close. A very good player, a very good season. I see him, in the way we play now, I don't see him in central midfield - more as an eight or a 10, in the finishing part of the game.
"The competition is very, very high in our squad in this position. As you know he was in our squad of 55 [for the World Cup]. You can see his quality and he was very close."
Dewsbury-Hall's ambition
Speaking earlier this week, Dewsbury-Hall admitted an England call-up would probably be the biggest achievement of his career. He told Sky Sports: "Everything. Probably the biggest achievement of my career if I could do it. It's every young boy's dream to play for your country, it's something I'll always continue to strive for and work my hardest to try to do and hopefully one day it happens."
While Dewsbury-Hall missed out, his club-mates Jordan Pickford, Jarrad Branthwaite and James Garner have been included in Tuchel's squad.
Focus on Everton
Dewsbury-Hall is expected to be in action tonight and he told his Everton team-mates to ensure they head into the upcoming international break on a high by beating Coventry City. The Blues go into the game on the back of two wins in quick succession over Newcastle United - in the Carabao Cup and then the Premier League.
After this evening's encounter at Hill Dickinson Stadium, David Moyes' side are not back in action until Monday, November 23 when they take on Brentford away.
Dewsbury-Hall said: "We have bounced back (after defeats to Chelsea and Arsenal) with two really good wins and that shows the mentality and character of the team.
"That is the most pleasing thing because a lot of teams sulk and go through the motions but we thought no there is a chance for us to turn it back around.
"We are into the quarters of the cup and we are seventh in the league. It is impressive and it is just about us dusting ourselves down and seeing what we can do."
On tonight's game, the midfielder admitted: "It is hugely important because it just gives us a better attitude into a break and you don't want to finish on a loss because it lingers.
"It is a great opportunity for us at home and if we win it puts us in a great position going into a break where we can recharge again."
