The wait until the next international break in March will undoubtedly feel like an eternity for Dewsbury-Hall.
But the Everton midfielder is no stranger to taking the long road to success, having experienced plenty of setbacks and detours throughout his career.
He did not make his Premier League debut for boyhood club Leicester City until the age of 22, having spent previous seasons gaining valuable experience out on loan in the English Football League with Luton Town and Blackpool.
Even when his opportunity to establish himself in the Foxes’ first team finally arrived, it came during a turbulent period for the club, which ultimately ended in relegation from the Premier League at the end of the following season.
After playing a starring role in Leicester’s Championship-winning campaign under Enzo Maresca, the midfielder soon followed the Italian to Stamford Bridge in a deal worth £30m.
However, Dewsbury-Hall struggled for regular game time during his only season at Chelsea, featuring mainly in cup competitions with limited opportunities in the Premier League.
It was only after his move to Everton last summer, at the age of 26, that he appeared to have finally found the right environment to reignite his career and showcase the qualities that made him once such a highly regarded attacking midfielder.
Since the start of last season, Dewsbury-Hall has scored 11 goals for Everton in the Premier League and provided seven assists.
“I’m really, really enjoying it,” said Dewsbury-Hall. “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 said on Friday afternoon that Dewsbury-Hall had been “very close” to earning a place in his squad, having enjoyed “a very good season” with Everton so far.
“I’ve got the mentality,” added Dewsbury-Hall. “I’ll keep pushing and pushing and see what happens.”
