🎧 A-Z: Jagielka, Johnson and Jefferspublished at 14:52 BST
14:52 BST
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In the latest episode of BBC Radio Merseyside's Everton A to Z, we have reached the letter J.
Paul Salt, Ian Kennedy and Phil Munns discuss former Everton players, Phil Jagielka, Andrew Johnson and Franny Jeffers in the A-Z of Merseyside Sport.
On former captain Jagielka, who spent 12 years with the Toffees, Munns said: "He came along for a modest fee of £4m from Sheffield United and at first it wasn't clear if he was going to be a central defender or holding midfielder.
"It took him a little while to get going but once he did he just turned into one of the finest central defenders I've seen pull an Everton shirt on.
"He was really quite something. He was good in the air, his speed was underrated, and when you have the complete physical package as well as the talent you are something to behold."
One thing you're looking forward to when club football returnspublished at 12:39 BST
12:39 BST
The World Cup has done a fantastic job of filling the Premier League void, but there is nothing quite like club football.
As the tournament in North America heads towards its climax and England supporters' disappointment sinks in, there is an Everton fanbase waiting for the 2026-27 season with anticipation.
So, it has got us thinking: what are you looking forward to most about club football resuming?
Gossip: Everton ramp up interest in Norton-Cuffypublished at 08:15 BST 15 July
08:15 BST 15 July
Everton have stepped up their long-standing interest in Genoa's Brooke Norton-Cuffy, 22, with fresh talks having taken place over a potential move for the England Under-21 defender. (TeamTalk), external
'Everyone will talk about Messi... but we have so much ability' - Pickfordpublished at 09:18 BST 14 July
09:18 BST 14 July
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Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford says England have "mentality in abundance" and are "ready for the challenge" of playing reigning world champions Argentina for a place in Sunday's World Cup final.
The Three Lions face the holders in Atlanta on Wednesday (20:00 BST), with the other semi-final between France and Spain taking place on Tuesday (20:00).
"We have the togetherness and mentality to play against a top nation," said Pickford. "It's always a competitive game and we look at the route and the upsets.
"It is the top four nations in the world playing against each other in a semi-final.
"This is our moment to play against Argentina and reach the final. You have to be proud to get here and be ready for the challenge.
"I've watched football all my life and you know all the players. They have very good individuals and they are a very good team.
"Like the manager [Thomas Tuchel] said, we have mentality in abundance. We are not the finished article and we want to keep working hard.
"Everyone will talk about [Lionel] Messi as he is one of the GOATS of the game. We have so much ability in our squad, and we also have that resilience and mentality."
While Messi is Argentina's main threat, Pickford warned against ignoring the other talents in Lionel Scaloni's side.
"He has scored so many goals and contributed to so many over his career. It's great to finally come up against him after so long, and watching him as a kid," Pickford added.
"We all know how good Messi is, but we also know how good Argentina are. We can't solely rely on [stopping] Messi. We've got to focus on their other strengths and the weaknesses we can take advantage of."
When the World Cup finishes, the football continues on BBC Sportpublished at 07:13 BST 14 July
07:13 BST 14 July
When the World Cup ends, regardless of who wins, we'll still have loads of great content every day as we build up to the new Premier League season.
We're already working on some exciting new things for 2026-27.
As well as all the fallout and reaction to the tournament, we'll quickly shift back towards club football, with pre-season coverage and all the latest transfer gossip and stories.
BBC Sport and teams across BBC Nations and Regions cover all 20 Premier League sides and we have dedicated club reporters, who will be travelling to bring you behind-the-scenes insights from pre-season tours.
We'll also have live pages for selected pre-season matches, as well as in-depth features and storytelling, giving you the latest updates before the new campaign.
Once the World Cup ends, some of the standout players will be hot property in the transfer market, with top clubs chasing their signatures.
We'll also have our daily transfer gossip column, wrapping up all the rumours from across the football world.
For fans of World Cup Predictor, a new weekly game will be launching immediately after the tournament, with five fixtures a week to predict the outcomes of. You'll be able to build up your streaks and share your results with friends and family.
Our quizzes will also continue to be available to play so you can test your knowledge of the beautiful game.
Our new Shorts tab in the BBC Sport app will be the home of sport videos with content throughout the week from your club, including explainers, pundit analysis, interviews and behind-the-scenes content. We'll also be starting to include more reaction from fans so you can see the latest hot takes and debate the biggest talking points from your club.
Live pages are going to get bigger and better with more interactive elements, more conversation and improved functionality. They'll have BBC Radio 5 Live audio commentaries for the Premier League and Champions League, as well as live video for FA Cup.
Remember, the best way to get all of this content is to download the BBC Sport app and follow your favourite teams and sports using the My Sport tab.
Once you've set this up, you'll have quick access to those pages at the top of your Home tab and we'll be able to serve you better, more personalised, experiences in future.
And when following your Premier League team, from the start of the 2026-27 season you'll also get Live Notifications, which give you score updates directly on your phone's lock screen during a match.
'Hackney is the one that I'm most excited about' - fans on pre-seasonpublished at 17:27 BST 13 July
17:27 BST 13 July
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We asked for your views on which players you're most excited to see in action during pre-season.
Here are some of your comments:
Ian: I'd like to see all the players that didn't get a look in last season given starts and time - Adam Aznou, Tyler Dibling, Charly Alcaraz etc. Their confidence must be shot to pieces.
Rob: Braiden Graham. Outstanding prospect. Seems to be a natural goalscorer and needs to be tested at first-team level.
Harry: I'm going to the Newcastle game at Murrayfield and I'm really excited to see, hopefully, Jack Grealish back in action and, again hopefully, two full-backs. The atmosphere with the Newcastle fans should make it a great trip.
Kieran: Hayden Hackney is the one that I'm most excited about - it's a huge step up for him, but I have no doubts he'll take his chances well. There's certainly a player there.
Ross: Keen to see the new boys of course, but also keen to see Dibling perform with a full pre-season behind him.
Graham: Graham would be good to see in action, plus Aznou and Dibling (if they have futures at the club). Also, Tyrique George will be interesting to watch and see what he brings.
Will your club sign any World Cup breakout stars?published at 12:00 BST 10 July
12:00 BST 10 July
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Plenty of players have made names for themselves at this World Cup, from goalkeepers like Cape Verde's Vozinha and Paraguay's Orlando Gill to New Zealand midfielder Elijah Just.
But though they might not have been familiar to fans, the extent of modern scouting means clubs all over the world will already have known about many of them – so how have their heroics at the tournament affected their standing in the game, and their value in the transfer market?
More than the Score's Mani Djazmi is joined Ben Littlemore from Transfermarkt, one of the world's foremost football databases. Lutz Pfannenstiel, sporting director at Aberdeen, also shares his footballing knowledge in today's episode.
'He is himself' - sports psychologist on Pickfordpublished at 09:42 BST 10 July
09:42 BST 10 July
Jordan Pickford's authenticity is key in his success for club and country.
That's the view of Dr Gillian Cook, an expert in athlete performance from a psychological perspective.
Cook is a Senior Lecturer in Sport and Performance Psychology at Liverpool John Moores University and has worked with elite athletes.
She told BBC Radio Merseyside: "What I love seeing when I watch Jordan Pickford play is his psychology, his personality.
"He is himself and I'm really keen that players don't try to be a certain mould. He is who he is so he's not having to waste any mental effort on trying to be someone else.
"He is shouting, commanding his box and that's what you want from a keeper. You want them to be looking out for threat all the time and you can see that from research, that the psychological profile of goalkeepers and defenders is different to a striker.
Everton make academy changespublished at 14:33 BST 8 July
14:33 BST 8 July
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Everton are hopeful a number of changes at the club's academy will "drive standards" and "create a culture where players and coaches can fulfil their potential".
The adjustments have been overseen by technical director Nick Cox.
Deam Rastrick - who became academy director in June - and arrives "with a truly exceptional CV", says Cox.
Cox told evertonfc.com: "We've spent the last six months conducting a strategic review of our Academy structure and these changes and appointments are part of that process.
"Our focus is on building an outstanding learning environment that is challenging, nurturing and supportive. To achieve that, it's essential we identify and empower leaders who can drive standards, and create a culture where players and coaches can fulfil their potential.
"Dean's arrival is key to that vision. He arrives with a truly exceptional CV. His extensive experience across respected youth systems - including Norwich City, Tottenham Hotspur, Luton Town, and Derby County - alongside his impactful work with the Premier League's Professional Game Academy Audit Company (PGAAC), gives him incredible insight and expertise in all aspects of player development and driving Academy excellence."
As part of the changes and working within a structure lead by Rastrick, Carl Darlington has become Everton's head of academy coach development, Dave Hughes joins the club in the new role of head of academy player development, Ben Dickson has been promoted to head of academy recruitment and Nick Chadwick has been appointed PDP senior coach & loans programme manager.
Paul Tait has left the academy after 16 years, vacating his role as under-21 head coach, with Hughes inheriting the responsibility as part of his head of academy player development position.
Cox added: "I'd like to thank Paul for his passion, dedication, loyalty and commitment during his time at Everton, and everyone at the Club wishes him all the very best for the future."
In the latest episode of BBC Radio Merseyside's Everton A to Z, we have reached the letter I.
Paul Salt, Mike Hughes and Chris Coughlin discuss current Everton assistant manager, and former player, Alan Irvine, in the A-Z of Merseyside Sport.
On Irvine, Hughes said: "Everton signed him from Queen's Park, he was an amateur, came to Goodison in 1981, he made his debut in I think it was either against AC Milan or Inter Milan or he certainly made his debut pre-season in you know a famous old stadium with a massive attendance.
"I remember him saying he'd gone from playing for Queen's Park where there's a few hundred watching or a couple of thousand and all of a sudden he's playing for a high-profile team like Everton and welcome to sort of life at the very top level.
"If you look at him as a player, he was a really talented footballer and a very unlucky footballer in a lot of respects because he was in the Everton team when the big change happened, when Everton went from being a team that looked as though they could be heading towards a really dark and desperate season and it ended up with Everton, despite playing in front of a really disgruntled crowd against Coventry City on New Year's Eve 1983, they began 84 with a couple of very, very important victories.
"He was in the team and scored one of the goals for Everton in a famous 2-0 victory, third round of the FA Cup, away at Stoke City. This was the game where Howard Kendall - he opened a window in the away dressing room and you could hear the atmosphere in the background. The talk was 'listen to this, go out and do it for these people'. That was a turning point. Irvine played a role in every one of the FA Cup games except the final.
"The player that kind of put an end to his career at Everton is one of Everton's greatest ever players, certainly from that team, Trevor Steven."
'George really has shown potential'published at 11:42 BST 7 July
11:42 BST 7 July
Everton fan and BlueRoom podcaster Warren Doyle believes Tyrique George showed a lot of "potential" during his loan spell with the Toffees and hopes he gets a lot of game time next season after sealing a permanent move.
Doyle told BBC Radio Merseyside: "I am pleased. I think we would've liked to have seen more of him last season. I think when he came in he showed real glimpses, real promise and I think a player as well we have possibly lacked down the years - a fast, direct winger.
"I was fortunate enough to go to the away game down at Fulham, he made his debut that day, came on and he changed the game. He didn't score or create an assist but just his presence, his pace and the fact he was something a bit different than what was on offer at the time on the pitch.
"He really did make a change for us and I think in glimpses he really has shown that he has potential.
"I think for the cost we've paid for him, I know it's going to maybe add up to £24m with all the add-ons but the initial cost... I think if you're looking at a young prospect for less than £20m that we've paid up front, I think that at the moment represents really good value for Everton.
"The type of profile he is as well - young player, a lot of talent. It's the type of signing that I hope Everton are going to be making.
"I'm happy with it, excited to see what he may bring in the future. I just hope he gets a lot of game time next season."
Snap up Vlahovic but steer clear of Delap? Free agents and who to avoidpublished at 08:31 BST 7 July
08:31 BST 7 July
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We asked for your views on which free agents Everton could target this summer and whether there is one player the Toffees are linked with but you hope they never sign.
Here are some of your comments:
Paul: I'd snap up Dusan Vlahovic as soon as possible. A proven goalscorer at the highest level, which is something Everton lack. Would get Leon Goretzka too - experienced and talented midfielder who has won everything.
Jameson: Everton are constantly linked with Liam Delap. I believe he would be a terrible signing and might get more red cards than goals in those few games that he's not injured or suspended. As for free agents - John Stones is still a great defender and would slot back in well. But, as with all those in the World Cup free agent list, the high wages would probably be better spent on a younger prospect for the future.
Paul: Gideon Mensah at left-back and a return of Stones would be very shrewd signings in my opinion. Bringing in some experience would be very beneficial and add some creativity and more of an attacking mentality.
Ron: Linked with Delap but I watched him closely in our penultimate game at Goodison when he was rumoured to be our summer signing but opted for Chelsea and he has shown nothing since then. Not an Everton player imo.
Andy: Getting Stones would be just a nostalgia purchase. We can't have three 30-plus defenders taking up space when you have two of the most promising young centre-backs in the country as well. Harry Wilson would have been the choice, but everyone else is out our price range and not one for the future. Hard pass.
Paul: Try to get Jamie Vardy for a season. We should have tried for him before now.
Martin: Harry Wilson signing for Everton should be David Moyes' top target. A pacey player who is not afraid to assist and shoot at goal. His credentials for Wales speak volumes - he is one of the most accurate passer of the ball I've seen in ages. Come on, Everton, get him before he goes elsewhere.
The 20-year-old winger spent the second half of last season on loan at Hill Dickinson Stadium, with an option to buy for £25m this summer.
However, Everton renegotiated the up front fee to about £18m with the remainder in add-ons based on European qualification and appearances, while Chelsea have included a 15% sell-on clause.
"I loved my time here on loan last season, so as soon as I knew it was a possibility to return, that's always what I wanted," George told club media after his four-year contract was announced.
"This is a massive club. I've seen for myself how passionate the fans are about Everton, how much it means to them – and I want to put on good performances, score goals and create goals to make them happy.
"The fans and the boys in the changing room made me feel welcome as soon as I arrived in February. It's a strong group that's only going to get better."
George made 11 appearances for Everton last season, starting once, but impressed manager David Moyes, who called him an "excellent boy with an excellent work-rate" at the end of his initial four-month spell.
"There is a lot more to come from me. With the manager, the coaches and my team-mates, I know I'm in a great place to show it," George added.
"Everton is an environment that demands hard work from everyone, and I will give everything.
"To be in for the start of pre-season is something I was keen on. Now I'm really excited to get going again."
Meanwhile, Everton also announced the formality of Merlin Rohl's signing from Freiburg.
The 23-year-old arrived on a loan deal with an obligation to buy last summer and now joins on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.
'One of the legendary goalkeeping displays in England's history'published at 15:22 BST 6 July
15:22 BST 6 July
Former Everton goalkeeping coach Alan Kelly says Jordan Pickford's performance against Mexico was one of the most complete performances he has ever seen from a goalkeeper.
Kelly told BBC Radio Merseyside: "For me it was one of the legendary goalkeeping displays in England's history. He made a couple of saves but you expect that from Jordan, especially Everton fans watching his performances up and down the years. But it was at the highest level, in the highest scrutiny that he's always under, on that stage at the Azteca Stadium.
"But not only that, his performance in the second half, where he didn't have a lot of saves to make but his command of the box and his bravery to step forward and say 'I'm going to take the pressure off the defence'. He must have punched the ball five times, he caught two - that takes real soul, real belief in your ability but also real character. Again, to Everton fans it's not a surprise.
"At the end of the game I sent him a message just to say 'that was one of the most complete goalkeeping displays I've seen'.
"Every Evertonian should be proud and I think every England fan is very proud of that performance and that team."
Will Haaland edge Pickford again?published at 13:40 BST 6 July
13:40 BST 6 July
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When England take on Norway on Saturday night with a place in a World Cup semi-final up for grabs, Thomas Tuchel's side will somehow have to tame Erling Haaland.
The Manchester City striker has scored in each of his last 14 competitive outings for Norway (27 goals in total during this period), finding the back of the net in all four of his appearances at the FIFA World Cup so far. The last player to score in each of his first five games at the tournament was Columbia's James Rodríguez in 2014, while the last European player to do so was Germany's Gerd Müller in 1970.
Fortunately for the Three Lions, they have an in-form Jordan Pickford to call upon. The Everton stopper will overtake Peter Shilton to become England's outright all-time leading appearance maker at the World Cup (currently level with 17 games each) in Saturday's fixture.
Pickford however tends to run into one or two issues when up against Haaland. He has conceded seven of the 10 shots on target that Haaland has had against him in the Premier League, with the Norwegian only netting more goals in the competition against José Sá (10), Alphonse Areola (9) and Bernd Leno (8).
So far, Haaland has four match-winning goals in the tournament, with only Poland's Grzegorz Lato in 1974 and Italy's Salvatore Schillaci in 1990 managing more in a single campaign in the competition's history (both five).
You're the scout! Which World Cup players do you want at your club?published at 12:32 BST 6 July
12:32 BST 6 July
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We're now well into the knockout rounds of the biggest World Cup ever and we want to know who has grabbed your attention - especially with the summer transfer window open since 15 June.
Which player has raised your eyebrows? Who has exceeded your expectations? Has there been a player you had no knowledge of consistently impress you?
Ultimately, who would you realistically like to see lining up for your team in the Premier League next season?
This is your opportunity to show off your talent-spotting skills - the floor (pitch) is yours...
And there's more - the BBC has launched live match updates so you can see the score directly on your lock screen through the full 90 minutes and beyond.
This means you can keep track of every game wherever you are - whether you're on the move, at work, or away from a TV. With live match updates on your lock screen, the score is always just a glance away.
This feature will also extend into the 2026-27 Premier League season, so you're never out of the loop.
Pickford produced two magnificent first-half saves from Raul Jimenez, then took total command of his area as Mexico threatened in the closing stages.
He equalled Peter Shilton's record of 17 World Cup appearances for England and was instrumental in ensuring he will now eclipse it against Norway.
"That was unreal," Pickford told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.
"You'll never get moments like that again in football. To come to the Azteca is once in a lifetime - it's a bucket-list memory.
"Everyone was talking about the altitude but it was us against them and we rolled our sleeves up and got the victory.
"The defensive work the lads put in to get out to the ball, block shots, head the ball away was just part of an all-round gutsy and together performance. That's what we are, we're England and that's what we do.
"I was in the moment. We all know when we get to pressure situations in knockout phases that I've got that character - I step up, and I've got that mindset where I feel unbeatable.
"I loved it. We did one training session before and I felt good as soon as I felt the ball in my hands. Before the game in the warm-up, the distance I was kicking it, I knew I was in that moment straight away."
Ex-England goalkeeper Joe Hart believes Pickford led by example when Thomas Tuchel's side were reduced to 10 men early in the second half.
"It was an incredible performance from Pickford," he said.
"When England made the decision to sit deep and defend with their lives, Pickford led.
"He has played a starring role yet again in a knockout game for England."
'Lots to like' about Hackney signingpublished at 09:07 BST 6 July
09:07 BST 6 July
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Everton fan Mark Staniford says there is "lots to like" about the Toffees signing of Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney for the "relatively inexpensive" price of around £16m,
Hackney made 154 appearances for Boro, scoring 16 goals, and won the 2025-26 Championship player of the season as he helped his side reach the play-off final, which they lost 1-0 to Hull City.
"Some early business which is good and not like us at all," Staniford told BBC Radio Merseyside.
"The lad has come for a relatively inexpensive price. He ripped up the Championship last season and was voted the best player.
"I'm not sure if he was a priority or more the timing where we thought, 'he's available we can get him in.' With the rumours Idrissa Gueye isn't signing a new deal, we're losing an experienced head in midfield.
"Hackney is bright, he's a young prospect, he can score goals, he can put his foot in. Lots to like about the signing.
"In the scheme of things it's not a huge amount of money which is also a positive."
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