One youngster couldn’t believe his eyes. The adult accompanying him then uses some X-rated language to describe Everton’s home as he is standing on Regent Road.“It’s f *****g big,” he says, with a pint in his hand, before adding: “It looks impressive.” It is 12.30pm outside Hill Dickinson Stadium, and you would be forgiven for thinking Everton were at home.

There is a vivid sense of anticipation in the air. Some can’t quite believe what they are about to watch, having waited years for this event to take place.

In two hours' time England will take on Australia in the second test of the Ashes series. History is about to be made.

It was only back in February that the doors to Everton's magnificent new home opened for the...