Jordan Pickford and unheralded gem – the Everton players who could star for England as World Cup spot booked
Jordan Pickford will surely be on the plane when England travel for the World Cup in the United States next summer.
Pickford is Everton’s undisputed number one, and he also holds that status for the Three Lions, even with Thomas Tuchel as manager.
Tuchel had hinted that the Everton star could be ousted, but he has made his position even more solid since the ex-Chelsea boss came into the role.
However, which Everton stars could join him?
Jack Grealish
Tuchel fielded major criticism for not selecting Everton’s Jack Grealish in the squad for the clashes with Wales and Latvia.
The 5-0 win over the latter saw the Three Lions definitely qualify for the competition in America, and Grealish surely has to be on the plane.
The Manchester City loanee won the Premier League Player of the Month for August after picking up four assists in three matches, and he has carried on that tremendous form.
As per Sofascore, Grealish is entering the penalty area 2.11 times per 90 and is playing 2.56 key passes per 90.
If he maintains his current level, surely Tuchel will have no choice but to select him for the tournament.
Jarrad Branthwaite
Jarrad Branthwaite is yet to feature for the Toffees this season after picking up an injury in the pre-season friendly with Roma in August.
However, he could still end up in Tuchel’s squad for the tournament if he comes back to action soon and impresses for Moyes’ side.
- Branthwaite featured 30 times for the Blues last season
- He won 1.9 ground duels per 90, for a 69 per cent success rate
- He also won 2.1 aerial duels per 90, for a 59 per cent success rate
He made his debut for his country in a 3-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in June 2024 but has not been handed another opportunity since.
Tuchel has not called him up yet, despite having the chance to for the March or June international breaks, so he looks like a long shot for the squad.
James Garner
James Garner is another wild card selection who could sneak into Tuchel’s plans for the tournament.
The ex-Manchester United gem has been in inspired form for Moyes’ side this season, and it would not be a surprise if he earned a call-up.
He has completed 89.9 per cent of his pass attempts this season, and also wins 59 per cent of his duels, as per Sofascore.
Moyes has been vocal about his desire for Garner to be given a chance, whether the Three Lions boss listens or he remains an unheralded star, will be seen in the near future.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has started his career at Everton in fine form, since joining from Chelsea in a £25million move.
The 27-year-old has notched one goal and one assist for the Toffees so far, but his impact is much more than goal contributions
- Dewsbury-Hall has created three big chances so far in the Premier League
- He has 3.7 ball recoveries per 90 in the top-flight
- He also has completed 85 per cent of his pass attempts in the league
He faces competition from the likes of Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer for the number 10 role in the England team, so it seems like an unlikely option for Tuchel at the moment.
However, you never know what will happen in football.
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