clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Everton to send 17 players out on international duty

The Blues’ recent successes mean more opportunities for players in their national teams.

Wales v Serbia - FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

International managers all over the globe are taking notice of Ronald Koeman’s skilled hand in developing his players, which means that a sizeable contingent of Everton squad members have received the call to play in this month’s miscellaneous friendlies and World Cup qualifiers.

Between youth players, first teamers, and those out on loan, a total of 17 Evertonians will be representing their countries in the weeks to come. The notable exception is now-backup goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, who has been dropped by the Netherlands, presumably due to a lack of game time for his club.

Ross Barkley was recalled for England, while Tom Davies, Mason Holgate, Kieran Dowell, Callum Connolly, Ademola Lookman, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Jonjoe Kenny will also represent the Three Lions, albeit for their various youth sides.

Ashley Williams will once again captain his Wales side, who receive a boost with Gareth Bale back to full fitness.

Kevin Mirallas and Romelu Lukaku were recalled to Roberto Martinez’s Belgium team, and given the history there, could be something to keep an eye on.

Wales v Belgium - Quarter Final: UEFA Euro 2016 Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

Seamus Coleman will reprise his captain’s role for the Republic of Ireland, while James McCarthy is also brought in despite not being fit. Aiden McGeady, on loan at Preston, will join them.

Ramiro Funes Mori gets the call for Argentina, so too Enner Valencia for Ecuador. Both are likely to be key cogs in the COMNEBOL qualifying process.

Finally, an in form Gerard Deulofeu receives his first senior squad duty for Spain in some time. In fact, his only previous appearance for the squad was a friendly match in 2014 in which he played 11 minutes off the bench against Bolivia.

With the club in good form, Everton fans will be hoping that the international break passes quickly, but most of all that everyone returns from their duties with a clean bill of health.