Tommy Fleetwood makes bold prediction over Everton's Premier League future

Professional golfer Tommy Fleetwood has backed Everton to beat the drop.

While world number 26 player Fleetwood isn’t able to watch his beloved Blues as much as he’d like because of his European Tour and PGA Tour commitments, he took time out from his busy schedule to support the Asmir Begovic Foundation Golf Day at The Mere, Knutsford. Everton only narrowly stayed up last season after posting the joint lowest equivalent points total in the club’s history and with 27 points from 31 games in 2022/23, they’re on course for an even lower haul this term.

Sean Dyche’s side are currently only be kept out of the bottom three by goal difference but when asked about Everton’s prospects of avoiding what could be their first relegation in 72 years, Southport-born Fleetwood, 32, told Sky Sports: “We’ll be fine, we’re going to be fine.

“I think what’s important is that you see the lads, and Asmir knows way more than me, as long as you all stick together and do the right things from an outsider's point of view from looking in and watching the guys I feel very confident as a supporter and as a fan. Everybody has just got to get behind the team at these times and push on from here.”

Begovic himself was asked whether the results since Dyche’s arrival had provided the Blues with a lift. He said: “I think so, I think that’s there for everyone to see. I think the games we’ve had under the new manager so far have been pretty positive.

“Of course there have been a couple of blips and that happens in a season but we’ve got seven games left and we’re very confident we can get done, it’s all in our own hands. I think we’ve got a group of players and people we can trust to get the job done.”

The Asmir Begovic Foundation was started to enable both the building and improvement of recreational facilities both in the United Kingdom and the Everton’s goalkeeper’s nation of birth, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The 35-year-old – capped 63 times for his country – was joined on the day by Goodison Park team-mates including Jordan Pickford and Mason Holgate plus Blues FA Cup winner Graham Stuart.

Begovic said: “That’s what makes these days very special. When you see the work that goes into these days to make it happen, the support of friends, team-mates and the public when you see that come to fruition in a project and the difference that makes to the kids, especially back home in Bosnia.

“Everyone knows what happened to Bosnia many years ago, the country is still rebuilding and think we’re trying to play a part in that. It’s a really cool thing to do, it gives you a nice feeling and long may it continue.”