Roberto Martinez thinks Europe is a must for his Everton side

Although the Europa League was second prize for Evertonians, the sense of excitement and anticipation is simmering for the Blues’ return to the European stage.

Everton face German side Wolfsburg tomorrow evening – with familiar faces Nicklas Bendtner, Kevin De Bruyne, Luiz Gustavo and Ivica Olić preparing to grace the Goodison field.

"We are very excited as you can imagine, and we have been working very hard for 12 months to achieve this opportunity," Martinez said in his press conference this morning.

"The Europa League right now is a great competition and probably where we need to be testing ourselves. The only way to fulfil our potential is by playing games like this one."

The Toffees are in Group H along with Wolfsburg, and Lille and FK Krasnodar who also face each other in their group opener.

"The draw has been really kind in the way of bringing two quality football teams in the form of Lille and Wolfsburg to Goodison and then a real surprising pack with Krasnodar, who beat Real Sociedad in the previous play-offs.

"In terms of group stages it is phenomenal for us but that’s what we want at Everton and that’s the expectation we want to bring onto ourselves.

"We embrace playing in Europe and it is something I believe we need to fulfil our potential as a squad."