Four Everton players look to bring home World Cup glory this summer
Idrissa Gana Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye – Group I (Senegal, France, Norway, Iraq)
After a disappointing last few months following their AFCON title relinquishment, Senegal will be looking for revenge this summer. Noted as one of many “dark horses” in this year’s tournament, viewers could see Senegal make a legitimate run. Not to mention, the team has many of their core players from AFCON returning, including Gueye and Ndiaye.
While Sadio Mane and Nicolas Jackson seem all but confirmed to be leading the
attack as part of a 4-3-3, Ndiaye may face some competition from Ismaila Sarr, who had a tremendous past season for Crystal Palace. In Gueye’s case, while leading Senegal’s midfield for over a decade and becoming their all-time record appearance holder in the process, manager Pape Thiaw does have a surprising amount of depth in the midfield and could look for a younger option there.
Senegal face a tough test in their first match against France before they take on Norway and Iraq. Expect Senegal to play their strongest lineup as they look to shock World Cup favorites France. And certainly don’t count Norway out, but I predict Senegal to finish 2nd in their group and make it to the knockout stage.
Jordan Pickford – Group L (England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama)
England’s number one will be competing in his third straight World Cup and will be looking to will his team to World Cup glory, a feat they haven’t achieved since 1966 (it’s coming home, it’s coming…).
Thomas Tuchel looks to be the man with the plan and Pickford will aim to carry on his form from last World Cup, where he conceded only 4 goals in 5 matches. Barring any slip ups (which England is hardly known for on the international stage), I anticipate England winning their group and getting some favorable matchups in the knockout stage. England are touted as serious favorites to lift the World Cup.
Nathan Patterson – Group C (Scotland, Brazil, Morocco, Haiti)
After the performance of a lifetime against Denmark last Fall, Scotland are back in the World Cup for the first time since 1998. However, it is yet to be seen if Patterson will get any notable playing time. He was an unused sub in Scotland’s last match against Bolivia, but did get some second half action in their match against Curacao back in May. Still, it should be considered quite the honor for the 24-year-old to earn the call-up despite making only nine appearances for the Blues last season.
An ideal worst-case scenario for Scotland would be to finish 3rd in their Group and make it to the knockout stage—but their World Cup dream may end shortly thereafter.
