England international Ross Barkley was at the heart of an Everton team who beat Sunderland 6-2 at Goodison Park this afternoon.
The 21-year-old, who has 17 senior caps for his country, produced a fine display as his incisive passing caused the opposition defence problems.
Sunday's results
Everton 6-2 Sunderland
Southampton 2-0 Bournemouth
Everton, who were without injured England internationals Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka, won thanks to an Arouna Kone hat-trick, a Sebastian Coates own goal and goals from the excellent Gerard Deulofeu and Romelu Lukaku.
Three Lions defender John Stones played the full 90 minutes and Brendan Galloway, who was called into the Under-21 squad for the 3-0 win over Kazakhstan last month, enjoyed a composed performance after coming on for the Toffees in the 25th minute.
Everton celebrate after beating Sunderland at Goodison Park
Sunderland’s goals came via Jermain Defoe, who has 55 Three Lions caps to his name, and Steven Fletcher, who was replaced by Under-21s international Duncan Watmore.
And in the only other Premier League match this afternoon, England international Ryan Bertrand set up the opening goal as Southampton beat Bournemouth 2-0.
Ryan Bertrand in action for Southampton, who beat Bournemouth 2-0
The Saints, who included Three Lions Under-21 midfielder James Ward-Prowse among their substitutes, won thanks to first-half goals from Steve Davis, who tapped home Bertrand’s cross, and Graziano Pelle.
England Under-20’s defender Baily Cargill was an unused substitute for Bournemouth, who were unable to find the net despite Saints midfielder Victor Wanyama receiving a second yellow card late on.
