Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall bounced back from his international disappointment to help Everton secure a 3-1 comeback victory over Coventry City at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Friday night, a result that lifted the club to fifth in the Premier League table.
The 28-year-old midfielder learned hours before kickoff that England manager Thomas Tuchel had omitted him from the squad for this month's Nations League matches, selecting Borussia Dortmund teenager Jobe Bellingham instead. Tuchel stated earlier in the day that Dewsbury-Hall had been very close to selection after enjoying a strong season.
Dewsbury-Hall responded on the pitch by netting a thunderous strike to seal the win after Everton fell behind. Forward Thierno Barry had earlier sparked the home team's recovery, scoring twice in the space of five minutes at the start of the second half.
Barry's quick double took his goal tally to 10 in all competitions this season, surpassing the eight goals he scored throughout the previous campaign after arriving from Spanish club Villarreal. Across the Premier League, only Manchester City's Erling Haaland, with 14 goals, has scored more in all competitions this term.
"It was a disappointing morning, I'm not going to lie. It's a massive dream of mine to play for my country. I know I was close," Dewsbury-Hall said after Everton recorded back-to-back Premier League victories.
The win also marked a historic milestone for Everton manager David Moyes, who oversaw his 592nd match in charge of the club. The landmark drew him level with the late Harry Catterick, who managed the team between 1961 and 1973, for the most games managed in Everton history.
"The thought of being the Everton manager who has managed the most games is something I'm very proud of," Moyes said.
