Jake O’Brien and Brennan Johnson first up for Everton on international duty

The first of Everton‘s international contingent are in action tonight, with Jake O’Brien and Brennan Johnson both beginning their Nations League campaigns.

O’Brien is with the Republic of Ireland for their trip to Kosovo, while Johnson and Wales face holders Portugal in Lisbon. Both games kick off at 7.45pm UK time.

Everton pair begin Nations League campaigns

Jake O’Brien	Match details
Fixture	Kosovo v Republic of Ireland
Competition	UEFA Nations League, League B
Date	Thursday 24 September
Kick-off	7.45pm UK time
Venue	Fadil Vokrri Stadium, Pristina
UK TV/stream	Prime Video
Ireland TV/stream	RTÉ2 / RTÉ Player

O’Brien is part of Heimir Hallgrimsson’s squad for a demanding run of Nations League fixtures, beginning in Pristina before Ireland face Israel and Austria.

The Everton defender is one of nine defenders selected, with former Blues captain Seamus Coleman absent and Brentford’s Nathan Collins ruled out through injury.

Brennan Johnson	Match details
Fixture	Portugal v Wales
Competition	UEFA Nations League, League A
Date	Thursday 24 September
Kick-off	7.45pm UK time
Venue	Estadio Jose Alvalade, Lisbon
UK TV/stream	BBC One Wales, S4C, BBC iPlayer

Johnson faces a difficult opening assignment as Wales return to the top level of the Nations League.

Craig Bellamy’s side earned promotion from League B and have been drawn alongside Portugal, Denmark and Norway in Group A4. Portugal are the defending Nations League champions, having beaten Spain on penalties in the 2025 final.

Thursday’s game is also Wales’ first meeting with Portugal since their Euro 2016 semi-final in Lyon, when Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani scored in a 2-0 Portuguese victory.

O’Brien and Johnson are the first two Everton players due to feature during a busy international break. Jordan Pickford and Jarrad Branthwaite are away with England, while Vitalii Mykolenko, Braiden Graham, Tyler Dibling, Tyrique George and Harrison Armstrong also have international commitments.

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