:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60095071/958071754.jpg.0.jpg)
Seamus Coleman finally returned to action this season after nearly a year out following a horrific leg-break he sustained representing the Republic of Ireland against Wales in the qualifiers for the World Cup that is being played right now.
The Irish made if through to the playoffs where they were easily overwhelmed by Denmark, a pair of games that Coleman missed injured and something he says that still makes him feel guilty.
The fullback has been excellent since returning though, playing in 14 Premier League games, and he feels he’ll do even better next season.
“We’re quite lucky now with the numbers, stats and sports science we get. The numbers have proved since I’ve come back that I’ve been as fast and as strong as I was.
“I knew with the 10 months I spent in the gym that that would be the case. It’s great to be back playing at Goodison.
“It means a lot to play for Everton – it means so much. I’ve played 250 games for the Club and plenty of people in the past have played that amount of games.
“But when I retire, you want to be remembered for one thing and that’s winning something – and I think that’s the next step.”
Coleman also had good things to say about his Everton teammate Jordan Pickford who should line up for England later today in his World Cup debut.
“Jordan’s had an excellent first season at the Club and shown what a talented keeper he is. He signed for a big fee but has taken everything in his stride, got on with his job, and that shows the kind of character he is.
“It’s great for a defender to play in front of a goalkeeper with his talent and his form for Everton has been rewarded with England.
“If he gets the nod at the World Cup, I don’t think anyone connected with Everton will have any doubt that he’ll go out there and show what he’s capable of.”
Everton have three players at the World Cup, with Gylfi Sigurdsson already having made an impact over the weekend as Iceland held Argentina (recap), Pickford expected to play today (preview) and Idrissa Gueye on tomorrow (preview).