Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Phil Kirkbride

Everton team vs Southampton confirmed as Ben Godfrey deals Rafa Benitez selection blow

Rafa Benitez will be without Ben Godfrey for the opening game of the season against Southampton.

The new Everton boss confirmed, on Friday, that James Rodriguez was among five players who would miss the game due to Covid isolation.

Moise Kean, Andre Gomes and Jean-Philippe Gbamin are also missing from the matchday squad but Everton have yet to comment on the reason for their absence.

No reason has, so far, been given for Godfrey's omission.

Jordan Pickford starts in goal with Seamus Coleman, Michael Keane, Mason Holgate and Lucas Digne making up the defence.

Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure look to be anchoring the midfield with Andros Townsend, Demarai Gray and Richarlison playing in support of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

On the bench are Asmir Begovic, Jonjoe Kenny, Fabian Delph, Yerry Mina, Alex Iwobi, Anthony Gordon, Tom Davies, Nathan Broadhead and Jarrad Branthwaite.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.