Everton Stars Set for England World Cup Journey in 2026

As England prepares for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the United States next summer, Everton’s goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, is a guaranteed selection for the national squad. Pickford has solidified his position as both Everton’s and the Three Lions’ first-choice goalkeeper, despite recent managerial changes, including the appointment of Thomas Tuchel. While Tuchel’s arrival raised questions about Pickford’s status, his performances have only strengthened his claim to a place on the plane.

With Pickford’s inclusion almost certain, attention now shifts to which other Everton players could join him on the journey. One standout candidate is Jack Grealish, currently on loan from Manchester City. The midfielder faced criticism for being left out of the recent national squad for matches against Wales and Latvia. However, his exceptional form, which earned him the Premier League Player of the Month award for August 2023, has made a compelling case for his selection.

According to statistics from Sofascore, Grealish averages 2.11 entries into the penalty area and 2.56 key passes per 90 minutes. Given his current level of play, it appears increasingly likely that Tuchel will have no choice but to include Grealish in the World Cup squad.

Emerging Talents and Potential Selections

Another Everton player to watch is Jarrad Branthwaite. Although he has yet to feature this season due to an injury sustained in a pre-season friendly against Roma, his past performances could still earn him a spot. Last season, Branthwaite made 30 appearances, winning 1.9 ground duels per 90 minutes with a success rate of 69%. He also boasted a 59% success rate in aerial duels. Branthwaite made his international debut in June 2024 against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but his absence from recent squad selections suggests he faces an uphill battle to make the World Cup roster.

Another wildcard candidate is James Garner, a former Manchester United player who has impressed during his time with Everton. Garner has been instrumental this season, completing 89.9% of his pass attempts and winning 59% of his duels, as noted by Sofascore. Everton manager David Moyes has publicly advocated for Garner’s inclusion in the national team, which could influence Tuchel’s decision-making as the tournament approaches.

Also in contention is Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who joined Everton from Chelsea for £25 million. The 27-year-old has made an immediate impact, contributing one goal and one assist, along with three big chances created in the Premier League. Dewsbury-Hall has a solid pass completion rate of 85% and averages 3.7 ball recoveries per 90 minutes. However, he faces stiff competition for a spot in the national team, particularly from established players like Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer.

While the prospects for these Everton players remain uncertain, their performances in the upcoming matches will be crucial for their World Cup aspirations. As the tournament approaches, fans will be watching closely to see which players earn a coveted place on the England roster.