Willie Kirk: 'FA Cup win could be start of new era'

When asked if Everton were ready to break back into the so-called 'top three', Kirk said: "I think there's a top five.

"Manchester United would argue that they're part of that as well and that's healthy for English football.

"We definitely want to be a part of that top five. We want to be competing for trophies.

"It's five league games into the season and we're sitting in a healthy position, but to add silverware would add to that.

"It would probably justify our claims that we're trying to be a top team and can compete on a regular basis."

Everton beat WSL champions Chelsea 2-1 in last month's rescheduled quarter-finals and followed that up three days later with a 3-0 win against Birmingham at Solihull's Damson Park.

Sunday's cup final appearance against current holders City will be Everton's first since 2014 when they lost 2-0 to Arsenal.

Kirk said a Wembley return had been one of the club's objectives at the start of the 2019/20 season.

"We were very strong on that and continued that theme throughout the season and we obviously got there," he said.

"I think the players felt when the competition got resurrected that it was a little bit written in the stars and the belief just grew and grew.

"The challenge for me now is to make sure we're not happy with just being at Wembley.

"We've reached our objective and now we want to go one better. I don't think there's any point going to Wembley unless you're going to win it."