How Everton Players Fared on the International Stage
By Marley Pope
Previously, I went through which Everton players are on international duty and their respective schedules. Since then, EURO and Africa Cup of Nations matches are completed. Let’s review how Everton players performed for their nations.
Seamus Coleman-Ireland
Everton captain Seamus Coleman appeared in one of two matches for Ireland. Not being placed in the matchday squad for Ireland’s March 22, friendly versus Latvia, the 34-year-old fullback was rumored to be in doubt to start for Ireland’s EURO qualifier against powerhouse France. However, Coleman made the starting lineup and played a full match with the captain’s armband.
The boys in green fell 1-0 to the French, with Benjamin Pavard scoring in the 50th minute. However, the new captain for Les Blues Kylian Mbappe was held to two shots total and just 0.31 xG. Just three days prior, Mbappe racked up two goals and an assist versus the Netherlands in a 4-0 thrashing. Ireland is now in fourth place in EURO qualification group B with zero points.
Coleman has been excellent for Everton in the second half of the season
Their next opportunity to earn points to qualify will be after the season’s end in June. Coleman has started every game for Everton since January 3rd when young defender Nathan Patterson last featured for the blues.
Hopefully, the injury scare was just that, and Coleman can continue his run of matches until the end of the season. He has been key to the relegation battle, and manager Sean Dyche will need his leadership presence on the pitch to guide the squad through the last stretch of games.