ACADEMY: Everton u18s hunt first win of the year

Feb 5 2008 by Chris Wright, Liverpool Daily Post

EVERTON under-18s bid for their first win of 2008 against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Finch Farm this Saturday (kick-off 11am).

Neil Dewsnip’s side have drawn all three of their Premier Academy League games since the Christmas break.

Two of those draws, against Liverpool and Manchester United, came despite Everton leading 3-1 late in the second half.

Everton were not in action this weekend and they will be determined to put that right against Wolves. Dewsnip said: “We are playing well, but we would like to get that first win to get off and running again.”

Everton will be without James McCarten, who is suspended following his sending-off against Liverpool. Otherwise Dewsnip can choose from a full strength squad.

Meanwhile Jack Rodwell captained England U17s to a 2-0 win over France in the second match of the Algarve Tournament in Portugal on Sunday.

The Birkdale-born defender, who made his first-team debut against AZ in the UEFA Cup before Christmas, came on as a substituite early in the second half for Fulham’s Matthew Briggs during Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Denmark.

And he followed that with a fine defensive display a day later as John Peacock’s side delivered a blow to France, whom they meet in the European Elite Round Qualifiers next month in Tel Aviv when England bid to secure a place in the finals in Turkey this summer.

England aim for a third win in a row against hosts Portugal tomorrow in the Estadio Municipal Di Portimao. Two other Everton youngsters, Jose Baxter and Adam Davies, will be on international duty this month after being named in the latest England under-16s squad.

Kenny Swain’s side face Holland in a friendly on February 20 at VV Quick Boys in Katwijk.

Both players helped England win the Victory Shield before Christmas, with Baxter scoring the winning goal in the 2-1 win over Scotland in their final match.