- 11 iconic Toffees who took the pride of Merseyside to football’s World Cup
- Legendary World Cup winners, Golden Boot holders, and modern-day heroes
- Historic goals and drama that etched Evertonians into football folklore
Everton boast a rich history of international representation. Down the years, some of the finest players to pull on a royal blue shirt have starred on football’s biggest stage.
From 1966 winners to modern-day players, here are 11 Blues who made their mark on the tournament while representing their country.
Everton World Cup XI: Goalkeeper & Defence
1. Jordan Pickford (England)
The Everton shot-stopper has kept 43 clean sheets in his 82 international appearances for the England national team. This puts him level with Joe Hart for the second-most shutouts in England’s goalkeeping history, trailing only Peter Shilton. Despite persistent media campaigns to dislodge him from the England No.1 slot, Pickford’s consistency has seen off a succession of challenges.
2. Gary Stevens (England)
A hugely important part of Howard Kendall’s trophy-winning Everton sides in the 1980s, Stevens was England’s first-choice right-back during the middle part of that decade. He played every single minute of the 1986 World Cup campaign in Mexico—including the infamous “Hand of God” quarter-final against Argentina.
3. Brian Labone (England)
Everton’s Corinthian, Labone played 26 times for the England national team between 1962 and 1970. He famously withdrew from England’s 1966 squad because of his imminent marriage, but played in three of the four games at Mexico 1970. There, he partnered Bobby Moore in the heart of defence during a legendary group-stage battle against Pelé’s Brazil.
4. Ray Wilson (England)
The year 1966 was an unforgettable one for left-back Wilson. After lifting the FA Cup for the Toffees following a stunning three-goal comeback against Sheffield Wednesday, Wilson went on to be an ever-present force in Alf Ramsey’s backline. He played every minute of the final at Wembley as England defeated West Germany 4-2 to lift the Jules Rimet trophy.
Everton World Cup XI: Midfield
5. Kevin Sheedy (Republic of Ireland)
Sheedy scored Ireland’s first-ever World Cup finals goal in 1990, equalising against England. He also netted Ireland’s first penalty in the shootout win over Romania, helping them reach the quarter-finals.
6. Alan Ball (England)
Although Ball was still a Blackpool player when he won the tournament in 1966, he was a proud Toffee by the time Mexico 1970 rolled around. The unforgiving Central American heat took its toll on Ball and his teammates as the defending champions ultimately surrendered a 2-0 lead to West Germany in the quarter-finals (losing 3-2).
7. Peter Reid (England)
Everton’s midfield enforcer, Reid won three of his 13 England caps at the 1986 tournament in Mexico. Notoriously, in the England v Argentina quarter-final, Reid was one of the midfield chasing pack left behind by Diego Maradona as he burst from inside his own half to score his ‘Goal of the Century’. But although that is sometimes how is most often remembered, Reid was a still a vital cog in Bobby Robson’s side during that tournament.
8. Tim Cahill (Australia)
Cahill, Australia’s second most-capped player, secured his place in history by scoring the country’s first-ever World Cup goal against Japan in 2006. He went on to feature in two further tournaments for the Socceroos. His breathtaking volley against the Netherlands (2014) was so spectacular it earned a nomination for the FIFA Puskás Award.
9. Idrissa Gana Gueye (Senegal)
Idrissa Gueye remains the engine of Senegal’s midfield on the world stage. Making his FIFA World Cup debut in 2018, the tireless midfielder started all three group matches in Russia, anchoring the Lions of Teranga with his elite work rate.
Four years later in Qatar, Gueye again proved indispensable, driving his country into the knockout rounds. Now, as Senegal targets the 2026 World Cup, Gueye’s immense tournament experience provides the vital leadership needed for another historic run.
Everton World Cup XI: Attack
10. Graeme Sharp (Scotland)
One of Everton’s greatest-ever centre-forwards, Sharp’s experience on the biggest international stage was brief. He featured in a single match for Scotland during the 1986 group stages—a scoreless draw against a notoriously physical Uruguay team.
11. Gary Lineker (England)
Lineker only spent one season with the Blues, but it concluded with his historic exploits at Mexico 1986. He became the first, and only, Englishman to win the tournament’s Golden Boot, netting six goals. Sadly for Evertonians, his prolific form immediately caught the eye of Barcelona, who bought him shortly after the tournament concluded.
Why this Everton World Cup XI stands the test of time
From the historic heights of 1966 to the modern consistency of Jordan Pickford, Everton’s DNA is woven deeply into international football history. This line-up highlights not just the quality of players who have graced Goodison Park and the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but how Blues have consistently delivered when the eyes of the world are watching.
