John Stones is confident Everton can rise to the challenge of taking on semi-finalists Manchester United this Saturday, insisting The Emirates FA Cup has prompted some of their best form this season.
While it has been a difficult campaign in the Premier League – Wednesday’s 4-0 defeat to Merseyside rivals Liverpool making it six games without a win – the Toffees have enjoyed better fortune in The FA Cup.
They are yet to concede in the competition this season and have scored more than one goal in each of their four games to see off Dagenham & Redbridge, Carlisle, AFC Bournemouth and then Chelsea in the last round.
Everton v Manchester United
The Emirates FA Cup
Semi-Final
5.15pm, Saturday 23 April 2016
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
Live on BBC1
Winners receive £900,000
Runners-up receive £450,000
And while improving Manchester United are the next hurdle to clear if the club want to lift The Cup for the first time since 1995, Stones believes Everton will not shy away.
"We’re so much a team and we do things together," said Stones.
"It’s been a tough season for everyone at Everton.
"We’ve been trying to progress and improve as a team and The FA Cup has seen us produce some of the best form of our season.
"We’ve turned up in big games and Saturday’s game will be another big one.
"As a team, we’ll be up for it and we know we will have to be focused, not looking past it.
"We’ve got to look to the game and play the kind of football we know we can."
Five-time FA Cup winners Everton last visited Wembley in 2009 where goals from Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard saw Chelsea come from behind to lift the trophy.
FATV Highlights: Chelsea 2-1 Everton
For a number of the current squad, Saturday will represent a first trip to the home of English football.
And Stones, who made his England senior debut at Wembley when he stepped off the bench against Peru in May 2014, intends to ensure his team-mates are not overawed by the occasion.
"Knowing the environment and that, for me, it’s kind of homely and familiar, not a new ground that I’ve never been to before, will be important," he added.
"But for the boys who haven’t been to Wembley before, I’m sure it will be such a great experience for them.
"Me and the boys who have been there before will all try to help them get through it and enjoy it as much as possible.
"We need to go there, not put too much pressure on ourselves and play our football, enjoy the day and enjoy the occasion."
