Whitaker Describes Soaring Confidence Ahead Of Live FA Youth Cup Tie

In-form Everton Under-18s forward Charlie Whitaker says his confidence is “through the roof” and is targeting another match-defining role in the young Blues’ FA Youth Cup fourth-round tie at Manchester City on Saturday (2pm BST).

The game at City's Academy Stadium is one of two Blues fixtures being streamed live on evertonfc.com this weekend - with Everton Women's home game against Aston Villa on Sunday (1pm BST) also set to be broadcast.

Saturday's FA Youth Cup match will be available to Season Ticket and Official Members, while Sunday's WSL encounter will be free for all Digital Members. To sign up for a free Digital Membership, click here.

Whitaker has struck the winning goal in two of Everton Under-18s' past three league games.

The 17-year-old was also highly influential in the Toffees’ thrilling come-from-behind victory over Wigan Athletic in the previous round of the Youth Cup, providing two assists as Everton prevailed 4-2 after extra time.

Whitaker outlined the mental and technical qualities the Blues will require to triumph on Saturday – and says the team will take confidence from their expressive performance in a 2-2 draw at City earlier this season.

“We played well in that game and created chances,” he told evertontv. “We probably could have gone on and nicked a win. 

“On Saturday, we need to make sure our character is there from the beginning.

“We’re not just going to sit back against them. We want to press them and come out fighting. 

“We want to bring the game to them, attack, and try to win the tie.

“Everyone is just excited about the game. It’s a huge one with loads of eyes watching. Everyone just wants to impress for the Club, our coaches, our teammates… we want to make them proud."

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04:56 Thu 18 Mar 2021

HIGHLIGHTS: EVERTON UNDER-18S 4-2 WIGAN ATHLETIC UNDER-18S

Young Blues come from behind to secure Youth Cup progress.


Whitaker’s blend of tenacity and quality helped spark Everton’s comeback from 2-0 down in that third-round tie against Wigan. 

He won a crunching tackle in the middle of the park before sliding an inch-perfect pass into the path of Mathew Mallon, whose smart finish set the Blues on their way to a memorable victory.

“I can make tackles and get stuck in,” says Whitaker, who signed a three-year professional contract with Everton last September.

“As a player, sometimes you need to do that to help lift the team. Hopefully I did that against Wigan. 

“I like to think I’m quite an exciting player to watch. 

“I’m attacking, I like to go on dribbles, as well play through balls and have shots on goal. Hopefully I can bring that to the table against City.

“My confidence just now is through the roof. I’m getting goals and assists and creating an impact on games.”

Whitaker says his strong understanding with Toffees striker Tom Cannon further enhances his belief the Blues can trouble City’s backline.

“Tom is such a good finisher and his movement is quality,” he added.

“When I give the ball to him, I just know he’s going to try to put it in the back of the net. 

“He can also find me again so I can have a shot. He's a very good player and I enjoy playing with him.

“We have a good relationship up front and we want to show that against City.”

Manchester City v Everton is being streamed live for Season Ticket and Official Members on evertonfc.com. Our live coverage starts at 1.45pm on Saturday.

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If you already have an Official Membership or 22/23 Season Ticket, just login to watch the video.

If you are interested in an Official membership, you can find out how to buy one here.

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As well as access to live pre-season matches, Official Members receive a range of other benefits, including exclusive content and welcome pack.

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01:18 Mon 15 Mar 2021

HIGHLIGHTS: WHITAKER THE MATCH-WINNER AGAIN FOR UNDER-18S

Garcia also on target as young Blues make it back-to-back league victories.