David Unsworth has made it clear that Everton youngsters need to continue to work hard if they are to impress and break into Ronald Koeman’s side next season.
The academy coach was specifically talking about Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Jonjoe Kenny, Kieran Dowell, Ademola Lookman and Callum Connolly, who helped the England under-20s win the World Cup on Sunday.
Forward Calvert-Lewin scored the only goal of the match as Paul Simpon’s side beat Venezuela 1-0, with Newcastle goalkeeper Freddie Woodman also playing his part by saving a penalty in the second half.
Former Everton defender Unsworth believes no academy player has a “divine right” to play for the senior side as he urged them to prove their worth in training if they are to play under Koeman.
“All five of them are great lads and all desperate to be part of what is going on at our Club,” Unsworth told the club’s official website.
“I’m a big believer that we as the Under-23s set-up have to produce winners – humble winners – as well. They have to know what it takes to wear that famous Royal Blue shirt of ours and it’s so important they know how to win.
“They have to keep proving themselves. Just because they have come through our ranks, doesn’t mean they have a divine right to play in our first team. They need to prove it every single day in training and they need to earn their places.”
All the Everton youngsters that were involved in England’s triumph at the weekend have tasted senior football on Merseyside.
Attacking duo Ademola Lookman and Calvert-Lewin are perhaps the standout names amongst the pack with the duo both scoring for Koeman last season.
Lookman was purchased by Everton from League One outfit Charlton during the January transfer window and he made an instant impact at his new club by finding the back of the net within a minute of coming onto the field.
He scored during a thumping 4-0 win against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, with academy product Tom Davies producing a Man of the Match display.