- Everton’s international stars soon to prep for the grand stage of the 2026 finals.
- Four huge games to go but then all eyes turn to Mexico and North America.
- Plenty of Toffees heading stateside, but for others, it’s summer vacation time.
There’s still work to be done for the Toffees, with four games to resurrect their European charge, but then the focus (for some) will turn to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
For those interested, every single ball kicked can be followed here at ReadWorldCup.
With the finals now including Infantino’s dream of 48 teams, there were plenty of opportunities to get their tickets punched to North America, but still, for some, the dream was cruelly ended.
England…
There are, it appears, still some places up for grabs in Thomas Tuchel’s squad, but someone certain of a place on the plane is Jordan Pickford. As England’s undisputed number one, his presence in Tuchel’s final squad is a formality.
His major tournament experience will be vital for the Three Lions, having played in every one since the 2018 World Cup. He is already an England record breaker, with 26 major tournament games under his belt, along with a record 11 clean sheets.
Joining him in the discussion is James Garner, whose excellent season and impressive senior debut in March 2026 have made him a strong candidate for a midfield/utility role.
However, the summer will be a bittersweet time for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who looks unlikely to go and can consider himself unlucky for that to be the case.
The summer signing from Chelsea has had a standout season, recording eight goals and four assists, but looks unlikely to make the squad given the other options available to Tuchel in his position.
Injury absentees…
Sadly, there are two Evertonians who would have been in with decents shouts for a place on the plane but who will miss out due to injury.
Jarrad Branthwaite, whose season has been beset by injuries but who was showing great form in a position Tuchel lacks quality in, picked a bad time to collect another hamstring injury.
Similarly, Jack Grealish – who was a revelation in the first half of the season after his loan move from Man City – has been ruled out following surgery on a stress fracture in his foot sustained earlier this year. He may not have made the squad, but his form was such that he was in Tuchel’s thoughts until injury struck.
Elsewhere…
Everton will have plenty of other international representation this summer. Senegal will rely heavily on the creative flair of Iliman Ndiaye and the leadership of Idrissa Gana Gueye, both of whom are key players for the Lions of Teranga.
Nathan Patterson, despite limited game time for the Toffees this season, is expected to feature for Scotland, while young left-back Adam Aznou will be there representing his native Morocco.
One with an outside chance of making it to the World Cup is Charly Alcaraz, who remains a contender for the Argentina squad as they look to defend their crown, albeit he may be relying on injuries to others to make the cut.
So close but yet so far…
The 2026 World Cup dream ended for several other Toffees in March.
Left-back Vitalii Mykolenko will be a notable absentee after Ukraine fell at the final hurdle, losing to Sweden in the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland’s wait for a World Cup return continues; the trio of Jake O’Brien, Mark Travers, and Seamus Coleman saw their hopes end in a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to the Czech Republic.
