Everton international watch: who’s playing, who’s already played, who’s impressed, injuries and TV details

You could hardly blame Rafa Benitez for ruing the timing of the international break.

The pause in the Premier League season has halted Everton’s impressive early momentum they were building, having collected seven points from their opening nine games.

Benitez might feel slightly fortunate, though, that some of his players have not been allowed to link up with their nations for World Cup 2022 qualifiers across the globe.

The Blues, of course, stopped Richarlison from representing Brazil, along with Yerry Mina and James Rodriguez jetting out to Colombia from meeting up with their respective nations due to Covid-19 travel restrictions.

Meanwhile, 11th-hour deadline day signing Salomon Rondon has opted against playing for Venezuela so he was able to report for duty at Goodison Park.

We take a look at how Everton’s players have fared on international duty so far, who’s still to play and how you can watch your favourite stars in action.

Who has already played?

There was heartbreak for Seamus Coleman and the Republic of Ireland.

The Boys In Green appeared to be on their way to a famous victory against Portugal after John Egan broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time.

Ireland defended doggedly throughout but, with a minute to go, Cristiano Ronaldo headed home Portugal’s equaliser to break Ali Daei’s long-standing record of 109 goals and become the highest international scorer of all time.

Then in stoppage-time, Ronaldo netted a late winner to leave the Republic of Ireland crestfallen and with no points after three games in Group A.

Elsewhere, Lucas Digne played the full 90 minutes as 10-man France were held to a 1-1 draw against Bosnia & Herzegovina.

France are top of Group F with eight points from four games.

Jordan Pickford made his first outing for England since almost proving the hero in the final of Euro 2020.

The keeper saved two penalties for the Three Lions in the shootout against Italy - but Gareth Southgate’s men missed three.

Pickford retained his spot in goal for England’s 4-0 defeat of Hungary to continue their perfect start in Group I.

There was no Dominic Calvert-Lewin for the Three Lions , though, after scoring in each of Everton’s opening three games. He’s absent with a thigh strain.

Who’s still to play

Alex Iwobi’s Nigeria get their African World Cup qualifying campaign under way when they face Liberia in Group C on Friday.

Jarrad Branthwaite has been handed an England under-20 call up. They play Romania on Monday, September 6.

Who has impressed so far?

Coleman was one of the standout performers for Ireland in their defeat to Portugal.

The right-back earned plenty of plaudits on social media when he put Ronaldo in his place following an altercation.

Has anyone picked up any injuries?

Not so far. And that’s how Rafa Benitez will hope things remain ahead of Everton’s next clash with Burnley on Monday, 13 September.

How to watch Everton’s players in action?

Jordan Pickford: England v Andorra - Sunday, 5 September (17.00 BST) - ITV. Poland v England - Wednesday, 8 September (19.45 BST) - ITV.

Lucas Digne: Ukraine v France - Saturday, 4 September (19.45 BST) - Sky Sports Premier League. France v Finland - Tuesday, 7 September (19.45 BST) - Sky Sports Red Button.

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