Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall may have been left out of England's Nations League squad, but the Everton midfielder channeled his disappointment into a match-winning performance on Friday night. His stunning strike helped Everton come from behind to beat Coventry City 3-1 at Hill Dickinson Stadium, lifting the Toffees to fifth in the Premier League table.

A Morning of Disappointment

Just hours before kick-off, Dewsbury-Hall learned that England manager Thomas Tuchel had overlooked him for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, despite his impressive recent form. The 28-year-old had been tipped to earn a call-up, but Borussia Dortmund teenager Jobe Bellingham was selected instead.

"It was a disappointing morning, I'm not going to lie," Dewsbury-Hall told Sky Sports. "It's a massive dream of mine to play for my country. I know I was close. Sad, yeah, but really proud of myself and how I have reacted. All I can keep doing is putting in good performances and hopefully one day I get the nod, because I'm never going to give up."

Making a Statement

Dewsbury-Hall did his talking on the pitch. His thunderous strike was the highlight of a spirited Everton comeback, and the midfielder was all smiles as he celebrated with the Everton faithful at full-time. The win marked Everton's second consecutive Premier League victory.

The wait until the next international break in March will feel like an eternity for Dewsbury-Hall, but he is no stranger to taking the long road to success. He did not make his Premier League debut for boyhood club Leicester City until the age of 22, having gained valuable experience on loan at Luton Town and Blackpool. Even when he broke into the Foxes' first team, it was during a turbulent period that ended in relegation.

After starring in Leicester's Championship-winning campaign under Enzo Maresca, Dewsbury-Hall followed the Italian to Chelsea in a £30m deal. However, he struggled for regular game time at Stamford Bridge, featuring mainly in cup competitions. It was only after his move to Everton last summer that he found the right environment to reignite his career. Since the start of last season, he has scored 11 Premier League goals and provided seven assists for the Toffees.

"I'm really, really enjoying it," Dewsbury-Hall said. "I've got a really good hybrid role in this team, where the gaffer is giving me the freedom to pop up all over the pitch."

Tuchel acknowledged that Dewsbury-Hall had been "very close" to a call-up, praising his "very good season" with Everton. The midfielder remains determined: "I've got the mentality. I'll keep pushing and pushing and see what happens."

Barry Double Seals Comeback

Dewsbury-Hall was not the only Everton player to impress. Thierno Barry scored twice in five minutes at the start of the second half to turn the game around. The 24-year-old French forward, who struggled for form and confidence after joining from Villarreal last summer, has now surpassed his goal tally from last season with 10 goals in all competitions. Only Erling Haaland (14) has scored more in the Premier League this campaign.

Barry also delighted fans with his signature dance celebration, which he performs after every goal. "I was on TikTok yesterday and I saw an NFL guy do the celebration," Barry told Match of the Day. "I said to Tyrique [George] that if we scored tomorrow, we would do the dance like that, but I think he was shy to do it, so I did the dance alone."

The former Basel and Villarreal frontman is drawing inspiration from Haaland as he looks to maintain his scoring form. "I'm very happy because I'm a fan of him," Barry said. "I watch a lot of videos of him and try and do the things he does. If I can play with him until the end to get the Golden Boot, I will try."

Moyes Equals Record

Earlier in the night, David Moyes equaled Harry Catterick's record for the most games as Everton manager, with 592 matches each. Catterick managed the Toffees from 1961 to 1973. "I am proud," Moyes said in Everton's match programme. "The thought of being the Everton manager who has managed the most games is something I'm very proud of. Everton has been huge for me and my family. My son David has gone everywhere and my father has lived it with us as well, watching it all. That's so important. What is also so important is that I'll always try to do the right thing for Everton Football Club."

For Dewsbury-Hall, the night ended in celebration, but the England snub will fuel his fire until the next international break. If his performance against Coventry is anything to go by, he will not give up on his dream anytime soon.