Everton’s players will soon begin to return to Finch Farm following their games for their respective nations in the final break of the year.
David Moyes will have had a close eye on his players in action, with some individuals making a real statement to the 62-year-old back on Merseyside.
Injuries will always be the top concern when players depart their clubs to represent their nations and thankfully Everton seem to have gotten through it without any issues.
Hungary v Republic of Ireland - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier
Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images
Winner: Everton veteran Seamus Coleman shines for Ireland
There is perhaps no bigger winner from Everton’s international representatives than Seamus Coleman, who has enjoyed a sensational past few days.
Troy Parrott secured a World Cup play-off spot for the Republic of Ireland in a massive week for the nation.
However, Coleman also played his own role in the two games over the last week, with a huge showing against Hungary.
60 minutes played
2/3 ground duels won
1 clearance
2 recoveries
2 blocked shots
Ireland’s manager said Coleman should be playing for Everton on the back of what he has seen during the latest international break.
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With two big performances under his belt, Moyes may have been overthinking his current struggles at right-back with Everton.
Moyes wants more from his full-backs and he could have had the answer staring at him this full time in Coleman.
Loser: Jake O’Brien struggles in centre of Ireland’s defence
After signing him from Lyon last summer, Jake O’Brien has been used out of position as he’s taken up the role at right-back.
For the large part of his time on Merseyside, this has worked well, but Moyes has recently dropped O’Brien for James Garner.
The 23-year-old defender returned to his natural position in the centre of the backline, but he did not enjoy the opening 45 minutes against Hungary.
Hungary v Republic of Ireland - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier
Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images
Having already shipped two goals in the first half, O’Brien was removed at half time, with Ireland requiring the huge turnaround they eventually got.
The Irish media slammed O’Brien’s performance against Hungary, and it will not have done him many favours with Moyes.
Loser: Iliman Ndiaye makes huge Senegal error in Brazil loss
In truth, this was a game which Iliman Ndiaye will not want to remember in a hurry after setting the standard for his 2025/26 campaign very high.
It was a convincing win for Brazil at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, but Ndiaye had his chance to drag Senegal back into the game.
Ndiaye went viral after missing an open goal, which would have halved the deficit for his side.
The Everton star will have the chance to right his wrongs with Senegal’s final game of the break against Kenya.
All Everton eyes will be on Ndiaye making it through the game without any injury concerns.
Winner: Jordan Pickford enjoys well-earned rest for England
Everton fans defended Jordan Pickford against Lee Dixon’s criticism, despite the 31-year-old keeping another clean sheet for England.
It still defies logic how Pickford has not conceded a goal for England since October last year, but he still finds his position being questioned.
Albania v England - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier
Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
The English media praised Pickford for his display against Serbia, despite it being a relatively quiet evening at Wembley for the Everton man,
He was then rewarded with a well-earned rest against Albania on Sunday, with England duty now complete until next year.
Pickford will return to Finch Farm raring to go at Old Trafford.