Everton begin 2021-22 pre-season training

The bulk of Everton’s first team squad began their 2021-22 pre-season preparations back at their Finch Farm training complex on Monday.

Jean-Philippe Gbamin, who has only played three times for Everton since joining two year ago, and James Rodriguez, who has been linked with a departure from the club this summer, were two of the players photographed at training today.

Also spotted were Ben Godfrey, who was omitted from Gareth Southgate’s provisional England squad for the European Championships, Tom Davies, Seamus Coleman, Michael Keane, André Gomes, Fabian Delph, Mason Holgate and Gylfi Sigurdsson.

New manager Rafa Benitez was, of course, also in attendance, as was director of football Marcel Brands.

Those who have spent the summer on international duty at the Euros (Jordan Pickford and Dominic Calvert-Lewin with England, Lucas Digne with France) or the Copa America (Yerry Mina with Colombia, Richarlison with Brazil) were not present, as the rest of the squad underwent a series of gym and fitness tests upon their return to training.

Everton’s live blog of the players’ return to training can be found on their official website.

The Blues, who finished tenth last term in Carlo Ancelotti’s sole full campaign in charge, begin Benitez’s reign at home to Southampton in 40 days’ time on Saturday, August 14.