Marco Silva will remain in charge of Everton after the international break. Pressure has grown on Silva, who is firmly the bookmakers favourite to be the next manager to be sacked, with Everton dropping into the Premier League’s bottom three following four successive defeats.

It means the 42-year-old’s position is under serious scrutiny by Everton’s hierarchy but it seems he will continue as manager – for now – with the home league game against West Ham United on Saturday October 19 appearing crucial.

Silva has himself labelled the fixture a “must-win” after collecting just seven points in the opening eight league games which have included defeats to newly-promoted Aston Villa and Sheffield United and last Saturday’s loss to Burnley.

Everton have only played one team from last season’s top six – losing at home to Manchester City albeit with an improved performance two weekends ago.

With Newcastle beating Manchester United it means Everton have slipped into the relegation places ahead of the international break which is bad timing for Silva.