Everton may have only been able to keep two clean sheets from their seven Premier League games so far this season, but Frank Lampard’s side have shown how defensively strong they can be.
For example, the Toffees have made more clearances (221) and won more tackles in the defensive third of the pitch (81) than any other team in the division.
One man who has played a big part in Everton’s defensive efforts this season and who we feel should be a regular starter in the upcoming World Cup for England is Conor Coady, who has now missed his country’s last five matches and won his most recent cap in early June.
With six league appearances to his name for Lampard’s side, the 29-year-old has posted the third-highest average of blocks per game (0.7) and the second-highest average of clearances per game (5.7) at the club.
In addition to his clear defensive presence, he has shown how useful he can be with the ball at his feet and moving it up the pitch.
For example, Coady has the fourth-highest percentage of completed passes (84.8%), the third-highest number of progressive passes (18) and second-highest number of passes into the final third of the pitch (21) among the current Everton squad.
Previously praised for his “exceptional” performances at club level by journalist Tim Spiers, that is exactly what the £19k-per-week defender has been for Everton since his arrival on Merseyside.
Having quickly became part of England’s leadership group not long after making his senior international debut in 2020, this also highlights just what the player can offer to Gareth Southgate’s side on and off the pitch.
Therefore, with all that in mind, plus the scrutiny over Harry Maguire’s performances and John Stones’ latest injury worry, having Coady as a regular starter once the World Cup comes around could be very beneficial for England and give them a great chance of having a successful tournament.
All Southgate needs to do now is take the big decision to trust in the 29-year-old, who could force the England manager’s hand with a few more convincing performances in an Everton shirt over the autumn.
