Carlo Ancelotti says his Everton team continuing to show “character, attitude and personality” will be key to them sustaining their fine form throughout the 2020/21 season.

Everton have kicked off the campaign with seven straight victories – the Blues' best winning run at the start of a season since 1894.

Ancelotti’s side have blended expressive attacking football with resolute defensive performances so far this term, scoring 24 goals and conceding just eight.

After the international break, Everton return to Premier League action against city rivals Liverpool at Goodison Park on Saturday 17 October (12.30pm BST).

And boss Ancelotti has challenged his players to consistently display the characteristics that have underpinned their blistering start to the campaign in the derby showdown and beyond.

“The spirit is good here,” he told evertonfc.com.

“In general, this team has good professional players.

“When we have difficulty [during matches], we don’t have to lose our positivity.

“It is important to have character, attitude and personality.”

A special occasion lies in store for one of Ancelotti’s in-form charges on Thursday evening, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin in line to make his England debut when the Three Lions face Wales at Wembley Stadium (8pm).

The striker was rewarded with a maiden senior international call-up after scoring nine Everton goals in just six matches so far this season.

Speaking earlier this week, Calvert-Lewin highlighted Ancelotti’s influence in his development as a potent all-round striker.

The 23-year-old said: "Carlo's enabled me to fine-tune my game and told me to focus on different things and be the focal point. 

“He's told me I've got the ability to do it, to be the main man and lead the line."

Ancelotti says Calvert-Lewin’s progress is testament to his professionalism and application – and explained how the striker’s wide-ranging attributes are complementing those of his Everton teammates.

“He has worked a lot to improve, to be more focused in the box and more clinical,” he said.

“Calvert-Lewin, with his ability and quality, can help players like Richarlison and James.

“He is a complete striker.

“This is very important: the effort of everyone can help the others."