Three Everton players ready to make an impact at the World Cup this summer

With 14 different nationalities in their first-team squad, Everton will have a strong representation at the World Cup this summer, if selection goes the right way.

The following are three Toffees stars who should aim to make a significant impact at this summer’s finals:

Since the decline of Joe Hart, the England number one position has prompted quite a debate. The inexperience of the ‘keepers in and around the squad is perhaps why the position has become such a hot topic, with the four or five other options having less than 20 caps between them.

Pickford, who has two caps to his name, is in genuine contention for a starting position, with Jack Butland standing as his main competitor and, should Pickford earn a start and take his chance, the 24-year-old will be putting his hand up to be the Three Lions goalie for the foreseeable future.

Gylfi Sigurdsson and his Icelandic warriors took the Euros by storm last time out, as they defied all odds to reach the quarter finals, beating England along the way. The former Swansea star is probably his country’s top performer and, after a tough first season with Everton, the 28-year-old will be hoping he can finish the campaign on a high and help his nation of underdogs to another stunning achievement at a major tournament.

Sigurdsson found the back of the net for his country at the Euros last time out and, if Iceland make any sort of an impact like they did in 2016, the Toffees star will have a huge role to play. He heads a strong and experienced contingent of five English-based players who have 236 caps between them. Faced with a group featuring Lionel Messi, Luka Modric and Victor Moses, the competition for qualification to the knockout rounds will be tough, but Sigurdsson and his teammates proved their are a genuine force two years ago.

Idrissa Gueye is highly experienced at international level with 58 caps for Senegal and will be hoping his star-studded side can make their stamp on the tournament. Often that one of the African nations turns out to be the surprise package of a World Cup finals, and the Toffees midfielder will be looking to carry on that tradition alongside fellow Evertonian Oumar Niasse.

With some serious fire power up front with Sadio Mane, Mame Biram Diouf, Keita Balde and Moussa Sow, Gueye’s role in midfield will be vital, to allow the previously mentioned players to thrive. Drawn against Japan, Colombia and Poland, the former Aston Villa ace has a genuine chance of reaching the knockout stages.