Jarrad Branthwaite captains England U21s to victory at Goodison Park

I went last night and by comparison to the rest of the team Branthwaite is a beast. Defensively he didn't have a lot to do but he was calmness personified and his distribution was first rate. He did miss a sitter in the first half. May as well enjoy him while we can.

Regret to say Harvey Elliott was MOTM though, two excellent goals and a none stop action display. Reminded me so much of Rooney, difference is the shite will keep him and not have to sell him on cut price.

I'm not getting carried away, he looks that good in terms of potential.

I hope he's fit for Sunday.

It pains me to say it but Elliott reminded me of a young Alan Ball, here, there and every where.

If this is correct, I'm sure that, again, they are going against the wishes of the majority of their fans.

I wonder if 777 Partners, with their large portfolio of clubs, had leverage on their decision.

Correct, we are about to become part of multi club organisation and this can be the only possible reason for this appalling decision by our club.

The obnoxious Barcodes will be able to loan the pick of players from their allies in the wretched Saudi League.

Good to see him doing so well. He'll become a steadfast lynchpin in the system!

Have to agree though he may indeed be with someone else if they don't survive this 10-point penalty which should have been in effect at the start of next season.

This decision came on the heals of some of Everton's best results especially in London.

Hopefully they can get all the points against Man Utd on Sunday to keep up the good work on the pitch.

Whilst Seamus has been a great servant and was a bargain, I am inclined to believe he may be past his best although what has been paraded in the right-back position so far hasn't impressed me.

However think you are being a bit unfair on Nathan Patterson, I watched both of Scotland's recent games and he was very good in both. Although the edge was slightly blunted in the knowledge that they had already qualified for Uefa 24.

Also watched Ukraine's games and Mykolenko is maturing as a left back/wing back so much so, that barring injury he is virtually un-droppable. Here's hoping the climb back up starts on Sunday.

Some light relief from what is keeping us all awake at night right now.

I've already commented on Branthwaite.

To your points on Patterson, I like him and he is still only 22. He can develop and will get better with experience.

I've liked Mykolenko since he joined. A solid defender but has also recently been showing a bit more going forward. Still only 24 as well, seems to have settled, so more to come.

Alongside Jarrad (21) and the experience of Tarkowski, when all fit, we're strong in defence, playing in front of a keeper who is arguably the best shot stopper in the league.

We also have the much forgotten Ben Godfrey. If he can rediscover his mojo and we can figure out his best position, he is an asset.

Now for that midfield. Let Gueye do his thing. Somehow get Onana to find consistency and not drift or lose concentration. It's not his ability that is in question.

We have McNeil (24). Great delivery and adds an attacking aspect to the team. Works incredibly hard.

Doucoure runs around like a headless chicken, but scores goals if we get him up the pitch.

James Garner looks really promising if we keep him central. Comfortable on the ball and always looking forward.

And a reinvigorated Calvert-Lewin with the beast that is Beto waiting to step in.

On the pitch it's not so bad as recent results have demonstrated.

A bit of early morning therapy.

Branthwaite is under a long contract with us and though I expect him to leave in the next 3 years or so it will be for a whopping fee.

I've said before that I expect Onana and Branthwaite to fetch us over £100m combined. But it may be even more than that.

Our two best assets. Both young players who were well scouted. It's tough to find Branthwaites (absolute gems costing pittance!) but there are lots of Onana's out there. Young talent, possibly from good value leagues, with excellent physical traits and strong work ethic/attitude.

Thelwell seems to have got us recruiting much more sensibly now. Lets hope the scouting proves fruitful and that the replacements for Onana and Branthwaite have as much talent.

Agreed that Jarrad Branthwaite should go for a large fee. But realistically the cat is now out of the bag and buying clubs will negotiate hard in the belief that we have to sell.

That's got to be still an incentive for all concerned to help get us out of this mess.