Mixed fortunes for Everton’s internationals

Everton had more than 25 players away with their countries at various age levels over the past fortnight during the first international break of the season.

Thankfully they all looked to have escaped serious injury after returning to Finch Farm this week for assessment.

With Everton’s next game not until Monday manager Ronald Koeman has the luxury of an extra two days to work with his squad ahead of the trip to the Stadium of Light.

Here is how they all got on:

England – Phil Jagielka

After missing out on a place at Euro 2016 captain Jags was recalled to the England squad by new manager Sam Allardyce. There was no place though for Ross Barkley despite his fine start to the season.

Despite the recall Jagielka played no part on the Three Lions’ late 1-0 win over Slovakia in their opening World Cup qualifier.

Republic of Ireland – Seamus Coleman

Coleman has yet to play for Everton this campaign after suffering a foot injury in pre-season. However, the full-back recovered in time to captain Ireland in their opening World Cup qualifier against Serbia. Daryl Murphy’s header secured the Irish a hard earned point with Coleman clearing an effort off the line late on in Belgrade.

Wales – Ashley Williams

New Everton defender Ashley Williams once again captained Wales in their opening World Cup qualifier against Moldova. Williams played 81 minutes as Euro 2016 semi-finalists Wales maintained their good from with a comprehensive 4-0 win in Cardiff.

Romelu Lukaku and Kevin Mirallas – Belgium

There was certainly much head-scratching when Roberto Martinez was named new manager of Belgium just three months after his sacking by Everton.

The shock appointment meant a reunion with Lukaku and Mirallas, the latter of whom had a frosty relationship with the Spaniard during his final two years in charge.

Things got off to an inauspicious start for Martinez when his side were booed off the pitch after a 2-0 friendly defeat to Spain. However, their opening World Cup qualifier against Cyprus was much more straightforward. Lukaku opened his account for the season with a brace, while Yannick Carrasco wrapped up the victory late on in Nicosia.

DR Congo – Yannick Bolaise

Everton’s summer signing had a hand in Neeskens Kabano’s goal that sealed a 1-0 victory for DR Congo against the Central African Republic. The result ensures DR Congo’s place in next January’s African Cup of Nations, meaning Bolasie will miss a number of key Everton fixtures at the turn of the year.

Senegal – Idrissa Gueye

Fellow new signing Idrissa Gueye featured for Senegal who beat Namibia 2-0 to maintain their 100% record in AFCON qualifying. With Senegal already through to next year’s finals Gueye will also be another Everton absentee in January.

Netherlands – Maarten Stekelenberg

Despite earning a recall to the Netherlands squad for the first time in four years, Stekelenberg failed to make it off the bench as the Dutch lost 2-1 to Greece before being held to a 1-1 draw against Sweden.

Ecuador – Enner Valencia

Everton’s surprise deadline day arrival endured a difficult international break with Ecuador, losing both matches. Valencia played 90 minutes in both games as Ecuador lost 3-0 to Brazil and 2-1 to Peru.

Argentina – Ramiro Funes Mori

Ramiro Funes Mori won his 14th international cap as Argentina beat Uruguay 1-0 to go top of their World Cup qualification group. However, they would quickly drop down to third place after a 2-2 draw against Venezuela in their following match.

Costa Rica – Bryan Oviedo

Oviedo was an unused substitute as Costa Rica edged past Haiti in World Cup qualifying. The left-back was restored to the side for their next game against Panama though and played the full 90 minutes in a 3-1 victory.

Youth internationals

Among the star performers Everton’s youth internationals was Gerard Deulofeu, who scored for Spain U21s in their 1-1 draw with Sweden. Courtney Duffus earned his first cap for Ireland U21s while Shayne Lavery and Gethin Jones featured for Northern Ireland and Wales U21s respectively. Deadline day arrival Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored on his debut for England U20s against Brazil while Tom Davies was on target for England U19s