The views on this page are taken from the local and national media and do not necessarily reflect the views of Everton.

We begin today with the Liverpool Echo who report a statement from the France Football Federation confirming that Lucas Digne has returned early from international duty.

The Everton left-back was an unused substitute in France's win over Belgium last night after feeling "muscle pain" in training.

The France Football Federation statement read: "Feeling a little muscle pain, the defender will not be available for Sunday's final against Spain. It will be made available to his club.

"Lucas Digne felt a little muscle pain on Tuesday during training. He was taken care of by the medical staff of the Blues.

"But his presence Sunday evening for the final of the League of Nations against Spain in Milan being impossible, the defender will leave the group on Friday."

Everton goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has spoken with Sky Sports and hasn't been short on praise for his new boss Rafa Benitez.

Begovic - who joined the Blues in the summer - has spoken of the influence the Everton manager has had on not only the players but the Club as a whole.

“It takes a while to get used to everything and the demands of the manager," the 34-year-old said.

“But our manager has been no different. He’s obviously achieved so many things in the game. For me, it’s incredible to even learn from him and pick his brain on other things.

“When he speaks you definitely listen and he’s been great to us. Very open and honest to everyone and I think the group has really taken to that.”

Keeping with Sky Sports, Everton Women forward Claire Emslie has spoken with the outlet ahead of Sunday's trip to face Arsenal.

The Scot was on target for last weekend's 3-0 win away to Reading in the Barclays FA Women's Super League.

The 27-year-old discussed the higher standard in quality of facilities and teams in the English top-flight, and how she has found the first two seasons as an Everton player.

"I think the biggest difference is the television deal but everything has changed," Emslie told the network. "Even just the standards of changing rooms and pitches. The pitches are quality now.

"Everyone's pitch was terrible in the winter apart from City and Chelsea. Now, across the board, every club has a higher standard of pitch. The referees are starting to be better qualified. The game is just taken a lot more seriously now.

"This is only my second season but I have already seen huge steps in the right direction. The facilities at Finch Farm are great. They are on par with what it was like at Manchester City. The club is investing. Instead of one strength and conditioning coach, there are three.

"I did not think we could compete with Man City, Arsenal and Chelsea because we could not pay the money to get them to come to Everton but the investment has happened this summer. Now, we have the talent. Everton are doing everything they can to get there."