Asmir Begovic believes Everton must not be overly disheartened by a disappointing week leading into the mid-season break and says there is a collective determination to put things right - starting with the visit of Wolves on Boxing Day.
The Blues suffered back-to-back away defeats at Bournemouth before domestic action paused for the 2022 World Cup, with the majority of players not involved in the Qatar tournament then taken on the Club's tour of Australia.
Begovic, who captained the Toffees in a penalty shootout victory over Scottish champions Celtic and a thumping 5-1 win over A-League outfit Western Sydney Wanderers, was part of that group and says the time away spent together was beneficial in overcoming lingering frustrations.
Following a short break, Frank Lampard and his side reconvened at Finch Farm to resume training 11 days ago and now, with the squad back up to full capacity, Begovic insists the focus is solely on the challenges that lay ahead.
"I think it's very important to not get too bogged down by the week heading into the World Cup break," Begovic told evertonfc.com. "Overall, I think we've been progressing alright. There's been a lot of change over the past 10 months since the manager came in and then a big summer, so we're definitely a work in progress.
"You're going to have setbacks at times and you're going to have to take your lumps - the week before we went to Australia was certainly less than ideal for us.
"But then I thought Australia was a good trip for us, especially when you look back on it now in terms of what it's given us.
"It was a good change of pace and these trips help with team spirit and bring everyone together even closer.
"It was something different and we had some good team bonding, then probably the most amazing thing from it was seeing so many of our fans out there.
"Obviously, we don't get chances to see them very often with them being on the other side of the world so to play in front of them and see just how much passion they have for the Club was really cool.
"On top of that, we were able to get a couple of decent results and now looking ahead we're together and ready to attack this good block of games we have in front of us to really kick on and shoot up the table.
"There's a determination between us to get to the place where we want to be."
Begovic has made three appearances for Everton so far this campaign, with two in the Carabao Cup and one in the Blues' first Premier League win of the term - a 1-0 victory over West Ham United - back in September.
Manager Lampard has regularly hailed the professionalism and character of the former Bosnia and Herzegovina international, describing the goalkeeper as another number one alongside Jordan Pickford.
"It's nice to get that recognition and to feel valued, for sure," added Begovic. "I understand my role in the dressing room as well in terms of a leadership point of view.
"Being given the captain's armband [in Australia] made me feel great.
"The manager has been first-class since he came in. He's been really good with me and every time he's given me opportunities.
"I enjoy the work on a daily basis and for me it's a great environment, working with the manager, his coaching staff and, obviously, our Goalkeeping Coach Alan Kelly and the rest of the lads."
