Everton will hope for a strong finish to what has been a disappointing 2015/2016 season, with last weekend’s heart-breaking defeat in the FA Cup Semi-Final ultimately ending any chance that Roberto Martinez had to salvage some pride and credibility. His position will become the subject of debate this summer, although fans and players alike may be firmly focused on the upcoming European Championship in France which promises to be one of the best in recent years. The tournament may provide a perfect opportunity for Everton players selected by their respective national team managers to put the domestic disappointment behind them and enjoy the experience of representing their country at Euro 2016. It may result in them returning to Goodison Park hungry to succeed next season, and while Coral are unlikely to back the Toffees to follow in Leicester’s shoes by taking the Premier League by complete surprise, the players could do with a much-needed confidence boost following the painful afternoon at Wembley.

Romelu Lukaku’s future at the club is likely to come under the spotlight once again this summer, with a strong showing at Euro 2016 for Belgium potentially adding to his value if Everton choose to sell their prized asset.Borussia Dortmund are the latest club to show interest in Lukaku, and although there is still hope that the big striker will opt for one more season at Goodison Park, the decision may be taken out of the club’s hands if big money offers come in. Eighteen goals in thirty-three league appearances represents another strong season for Lukaku, with similar strong performances in both domestic cup competitions putting Everton within touching distance of silverware. He may encounter a feeling of déjà vu at Euro 2016, with Belgium considered serious darkhorses in the latest betting odds. Lukaku, who may be joined by Everton team-mates Kevin Miralles in Belgium’s 23-man squad, will lead the line for a country who have a golden generation that could finally live up to expectations, and as they reached the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup, it begs the question of “can they go further this time around?” They will certainly be a team to keep an eye on at Euro 2016, and if Lukaku receives the quality of service he deserves, then Belgium may be the team that nobody wants to face. 

England are likely to benefit from having at least three Evertonians in Roy Hodgson’s squad for Euro 2016, and while Leighton Baines may make a late push for inclusion in the remaining Premier League fixtures, there is a good chance that Phil Jagielka, John Stones and Ross Barkley will be involved for the Three Lions. The latter has been another shining light for the Toffees this season, with Barkley developing into a talented midfielder with a wonderful future ahead of him at domestic and international level. His excellent display in the 3-2 victory in Germany will have done his claims for a spot in Hodgson’s starting line-up no harm at all, although Jagielka and Stones may have to play supporting roles if Gary Cahill and Chris Smalling are the first-choice centre-back partnership. Taking Stones to France will hopefully provide an invaluable experience and learning curve for a player with immense potential, but may need guidance in order to put the art of defending ahead of being confident of playing out from the back at the wrong moments.

Another country that may depend on Everton stars to step up to the plate at Euro 2016 is Ireland, with Seamus Coleman and James McCarthy likely to play integral roles for Martin O’Neill’s team. The former has already confessed that he cannot stop thinking about representing the Republic of Ireland this summer, with the dynamic right-back set to play in his first ever major international tournament after being surprisingly overlooked by Giovanni Trappatoni four years ago. Coleman will hope to be a part of a strong defensive unit that may hold the key to Republic of Ireland’s chances of progressing to the latter stages – something that is not beyond them if the famous Irish spirit and determination comes to the fore. McCarthy is certainly one player who exudes both qualities in abundance, with the hard-working midfielder likely to be the focal point for attacks with his passing and forays up the pitch. Their fans will undoubtedly enjoy the experience and paint the town green, but with their country embroiled in a group which includes Belgium, Italy and Sweden, Coleman and McCarthy will have to be at their very best to stand any chance of going further than the group stages at Euro 2016.