Everton Under-21s will begin their pre-season schedule with a friendly against Duncan Ferguson’s Forest Green Rovers on Wednesday 19 July (7pm BST).

Paul Tait’s young Blues start preparations for the 2023/24 campaign against the League Two club at their New Lawn Stadium home.

Tait’s side enjoyed a positive 2022/23 season, finishing eighth in Premier League 2 while registering big wins against the likes of Paris Saint-Germain Under-21s and League Two side Mansfield Town in the Papa John's Trophy. 

In the home dugout will be Everton legend Ferguson who took charge of the Gloucestershire outfit in March. The former Everton captain will be readying for his first full season as a manager as he bids to lead Forest Green Rovers to a promotion push following their recent relegation from League One.

Details of additional Under-21s pre-season fixtures will appear on evertonfc.com in due course.