James Rodriguez: “Ready for the challenges ahead”

Everton star James Rodriguez says he is “ready for the challenges ahead” as the Toffees prepare for their first Florida Cup outing on Sunday night.

The Blues take on Colombian giants Millonarios in the Camping World Stadium in what will be Rafael Benitez’s third pre-season game in charge of the club.

Everton have won both their outings so far against lower-league opposition, defeating Accrington Stanley and Blackburn Rovers in behind closed doors friendlies at the club’s USM Finch Farm training ground.

Despite being linked with a move away from Goodison Park, Rodriguez says he is ready for the challenges that lie ahead in the new season.

“Personally, I’m training hard so I’m ready for the challenges ahead,” said the Colombian playmaker in an interview with the club.

“We are focused on our preparation every day and we are here [Florida Cup] to take both games very seriously. A great pre-season gives you the energy needed for the rest of the season.”

Rodriguez is joined in Florida by three new signings: Asmir Begovic, Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray, all of whom expected to make their non-competitive debuts in the competition tomorrow night. The trio signed earlier this week for a combined fee of £1.5mill, adding further options to a squad which struggled for depth last season.

Benitez has a strong team available, which is boosted by the return of Lucas Digne, who travelled with the team on Wednesday morning. The left-back saw his Euro 2020 campaign ended early after picking up a quadriceps injury, but the Frenchman is fit again to feature in the USA.

Despite the strength of the squad, a number of key first-team players are absent for the Toffees. England duo Jordan Pickford and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are still on their extended break, whilst Richarlison is competing at the Olympics Games with Brazil.

Fabian Delph, who played against Accrington and Blackburn, has not travelled with the squad. The midfielder has had to stay back and isolate after being in close contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.

The Florida Cup this week was given a revised format due to the withdrawals of both Arsenal and Inter Milan this week. The English side pulled out due to a ‘small number of positive tests’, whilst the Italians have growing fears of international travel during the pandemic.

It has since been announced that Everton, who were due to play the winners of Arsenal vs Inter Milan, will now play Club Universidad Nacional, commonly known as Pumas, on Wednesday night. But tomorrow, the Toffees continue their pre-season preparations with a tough test against 15-time Colombian champions Millonarios.

El Azul, who have already started their league campaign, find themselves top of the table after two victories from two. Their latest win came at home on Thursday, and manager Alberto Gamero is expected to make full use of his squad against Everton.

Striker Fernando Uribe will look to cause problems for the Everton defence. The 33-year-old finished as the leagues joint top scorer in the league last season, and he already has two goals to his name this campaign.

However, the Colombian side will be without dangerman Christian Arango, who is supposedly close to joining Los Angeles FC. The winger, who recorded 13 goal contributions last season, has been absent for Millonarios in their two league games in anticipation of his departure.

El Azul will be difficult opponents for Benitez’s side, and the Spaniard will be hoping to continue his winning ways as Everton manager, albeit he is yet to take charge of a competitive game.

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