Dewsbury-Hall vows never to give up after Coventry goal and England snub

Everton midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has vowed to keep fighting for his first England call-up after scoring in Friday night's 3-1 Premier League win over Coventry City at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The 28-year-old found the net just hours after England manager Thomas Tuchel chose Borussia Dortmund teenager Jobe Bellingham ahead of him.

Goal follows disappointment

Dewsbury-Hall's fierce strike helped Everton record their second consecutive top-flight win, lifting them to fifth in the table. He had been widely expected to make the squad for this month's Nations League matches after a strong run of form, and he learned of the decision earlier on Friday.

Tuchel acknowledged that afternoon that the player had been 'very close' to inclusion, citing 'a very good season'.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Dewsbury-Hall said it had been a disappointing morning and that playing for his country was a major dream. He said he was sad but proud of how he had reacted, and that he would keep producing good performances in the hope of being picked one day, adding that he was never going to give up.

A winding route to Merseyside

Dewsbury-Hall has overcome setbacks before. He had loan spells at Blackpool and Luton Town in the EFL before making his Premier League debut for boyhood club Leicester City at 22. He later suffered relegation with Leicester, then won the Championship under Enzo Maresca.

He followed Maresca to Chelsea for £30 million, but during his only season at Stamford Bridge he was largely restricted to cup appearances. He joined Everton in the summer of 2025 and has since scored 11 league goals and provided seven assists.

Describing his role at Everton, Dewsbury-Hall said he was really enjoying it. He explained that he has a hybrid role in the side, with the manager giving him the freedom to move across the pitch. He also said he had the right mentality and would keep pushing for a place in the national team.

Next chance in March

With the November international break now underway, Dewsbury-Hall faces a four-month wait until March for his next opportunity to earn an England call-up. Maintaining his goal output through the winter schedule will be important as he works to keep Everton in contention for European qualification.