Everton boss Roberto Martinez says none of his players, including Romelu Lukaku, are seeking excuses for their poor season.

Martinez says criticism of the whole team was justified as they fell off the pace in the race for Europe.

"We created enormous expectations with the way we finished the campaign and when you don't reach those results or results don't match those expectations then you are going to come in for serious criticism - and rightly so," Martinez told the Liverpool Echo.

"We want to have that mentality of a big club, expecting good results and everyone has felt that scrutiny.

"But when you have the advantage I have, working with the players on a daily basis and behind the scenes, you see the true characters and real focus that is behind that work.

"Rom, at such a young age, took responsibility face on and never wanted to use the World Cup as an excuse or never wanted any reason not be the front line of the team.

"He has now has the rewards and since January his performances have been really, really strong and you are looking at what he's achieved in Europe at such a young age and it will be there in the records for a long, long time.

"In the league, I still expect Rom to finish strong."