England's Under-20 World Cup winning manager Paul Simpson has heaped praise on Everton's academy work.

Everton have given more minutes of playing time to England youth team representatives this season than any other club.

That follows four Everton players starting the Under-20 World Cup final against Venezuela in South Korea last summer – with a fifth, Callum Connolly, on the bench – as the Young Lions won 1-0, courtesy of a goal from Toffees forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

“The opportunities Everton give their young players is fantastic," Simpson told evertonfc.com.

“When you look at Everton's side, it is brilliant for the England national team. You see Pickford in goal, Holgate, Kenny, Ademola Lookman, Tom Davies and Calvert-Lewin.

“And Morgan Feeney, who is part of my Under-19 team now, has been involved recently as well.

“It is a real positive for the England teams."