Ben Godfrey issued a rallying cry in the wake of Everton's FA Cup quarter-final exit at the hands of Manchester City.

The Blues held out for 83 minutes against Pep Guardiola's quadruple-chasers before Ilkay Gundogan broke their resistance. Kevin de Bruyne added another goal to extend Everton's 26-year wait for silverware.

However, the Toffees could still forge a success out of their season by qualifying for Europe. Carlo Ancelotti's side are five points off the Champions League places and only two points off of the top six.

Godfrey spoke to the club's official Twitter channel after the game as to what would be required to secure one of the European spots.

"Sticking together, character and desire," he said. "You could see how much it meant to us. We're going to need that for the rest of the season if we're going to finish where we hope to."

The £25m summer signing looks poised to be an Everton regular for years to come. In his first season at Goodison Park, the 23-year-old is averaging 1.6 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 3.2 clearances per game (via WhoScored) - all of which are among the best figures for those respective metrics among Ancelotti's squad.

These Everton fans loved Godfrey's comments

"Well, I could see how much Ben wanted it. Sadly the rest of the team seem to be lacking in desire or belief in their own ability. Thus resulting in pretty negative performances."

Credit: @howiseeit4

"If half the team had the mentality and passion Ben Godfrey shows in all games Everton would be far in their progress by now. Even when he doesn't have his best game the drive and determination he shows he does his best. We need more players like him"

Credit: @gersonselema

"You can listen to this fella & know he means what he says as he gives the exact same on the pitch but there’s others that give rallying cries & don’t back it up. Big end to the season for us after the international break but if we don't beat Palace when we get back, forget Europe!"

Credit: @AidyDews

"It isn’t Ben or really any of our defence it’s our atrocious midfield. If all 11 of our players put in the shift that Ben did every game we would be top 4."

Credit: @bobmarl03974950

"Ten times Ben and we would have a world beating team."

Credit: @1878G2

"Leader"

Credit: @Jamie_Foster18

"He's a machine"

Credit: @JayTommo99

In other news, some Everton fans blasted this player's performance against Man City.