Credit: Imago
Wed 8 April 2026 10:09, UK
Everton now have their sights set on a return to European football for the first time since 2017 after the Premier League’s fifth Champions League spot was confirmed.
Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Sporting CP in Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg has guaranteed that England’s UEFA coefficient will earn them an extra spot in Europe’s top competition.
It is the second consecutive year the Premier League has benefited, with Newcastle United claiming the extra place last season.
But as Crystal Palace won the FA Cup, eighth-placed Brighton were denied a place in the Conference League.
Everton’s form has placed them in a great position to make their return under David Moyes, almost 10 years after Ronald Koeman took them to the Europa League.
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What Everton need to happen for European football
Football Insider exclusively revealed on Wednesday that Everton are unconcerned by interest in James Garner, which is reportedly coming from Aston Villa.
The midfielder signed a new deal in January, but the Toffees would feel far more confident in keeping him if they can secure European Football as well.
James GarnerPremier League 2025-26Appearances31Goals2Assists6Chances created44Tackles93Duels won162
Despite Arsenal’s success on Tuesday, however, there are still a few hoops that need to be jumped through before Everton renew their passports.
Firstly, and most obviously, Moyes’ team need to maintain their position in the top eight and see off the teams below them.
Everton could still climb the table, sitting just three points behind Liverpool and an unthinkable position in the Champions League, yet the same gap separates them from 11th.
Every team around the middle of the pack in the Premier League will be attempting to stake a claim for a potential European trip next season, and the Toffees will do well to hold them off.
Secondly, they need a job done in the FA Cup. Manchester City have already won the Carabao Cup and handed their Conference League spot down, but for it to go to the team that finishes eighth, a team in the top seven must win the other domestic cup.
Man City and Chelsea will face Southampton and Leeds United, respectively, although Everton may be hoping that the former team wins it, considering the latter’s form in the Premier League.
Everton’s last visit to Europe
The last time Everton played European football was the 2017-18 season, and the old format of the Europa League was in place.
Lyon, Atalanta and Apollon Limassol were in the Toffees’ group, but they would only manage to beat the Cypriot side.
After collecting just four points from six games, the Premier League side were knocked out and have not returned since.
Everton will hope that next season could see them make their return, with Moyes keen to see out a strong campaign.
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