Michael Ball believes Everton have blown a huge opportunity to qualify for Europe this season, telling Football FanCast that they will regret this campaign.

The Toffees are currently eighth ahead of the final game of the season but they are unlikely to be playing in the Europa League next term, as they are three points behind sixth-placed West Ham United.

The Hammers only need a point against Southampton to confirm their own qualification but there is a possibility that the Toffees will be playing in the Europa Conference League should they manage to finish seventh, though they will need to beat Manchester City on the final day and hope other results go their way.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side have endured an up-and-down season, winning just three of their last 10 games in the top-flight.

Ball was pleased to see his former side beat Wolves, as they bounced back from a 1-0 defeat to rock-bottom Sheffield United, but feels that such inconsistency is endemic of a poor season.

He told FFC: “Great to see them bounce back with a win at Wolves but it’s one of those seasons where they’re going to look back and think it’s a huge opportunity missed.

“A lot of clubs are going through difficult times and Everton getting great results at the start but since the turn of the year, they’ve just sort of nosedived.”