Ben Godfrey’s inclusion in the England squad on Tuesday came as a big surprise to many. But not Evertonians.
While plenty of Toffees were excited at the signing of the promising defender last summer, few expected him to make the kind of impact he has in 2020-21. The discourse around Godfrey evolved from “when will he play?” to “he has to play!”
He’s clearly caught the eye of England manager Gareth Southgate too, with the coach a frequent onlooker at a number of Everton games in the latter weeks of the season. He would’ve been impressed by the all-action approach and attitude of the 23-year-old.
So it was assumed by many Blues that when Southgate said a provisional group of 33 names would be listed for the summer’s European Championship before being trimmed down at a later date that Godfrey would be in.
“I’ve seen the fans’ reaction to me getting into the England squad and it means a lot to me,” the centre-back told the Everton website. “It’s been great to have the support from Everton fans. They’ve been so supportive from the moment I joined Everton and it’s helped me to feel at home from day one.
“It’s been a positive season for me. I’ve joined a massive club like Everton and been able to play a lot of games, and now I’ve got an England call-up. It’s a dream come true.”
Given he’s yet to be capped by England at senior level, it’s assumed Godfrey will miss out on the 26-man squad for the upcoming major tournament, barring any injuries to established internationals. Southgate would benefit from having a player like Godfrey around this summer though.
Understandably there are still areas where he can improve, but his searing recovery speed, physicality and adaptability—Godfrey has played in a back three, a back four and in both full-back positions this season—would be to England’s benefit in pursuit of European glory.
Regardless of whether he makes it or not, the former Norwich man is clearly on England’s radar. Given the way he’s settled into life at Everton, don’t expect him to drop off it for a while.