EFC Brief

Jordan Pickford is the obvious hook here — the only genuine Blue on show, and Everton's number one stands between the sticks for England once again. With confirmed lineups in, the Toffees faithful get a familiar sight: Pickford barking orders, commanding his box, and reminding everyone why he's remained England's undisputed first choice through countless tournaments. Beyond him, this fixture is a feast of EFC-linked names on both sides. England field a cluster of players connected to the club through the years — Konsa, Guéhi, Rice, O'Reilly, Anderson and Rashford among them — while DR Congo counter with their own contingent in Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Wissa, Mbemba and Masuaku. Axel Tuanzebe's presence is a nice subplot given his English youth pathway before committing to the Congolese cause. For neutrals it's an intriguing clash; for Evertonians, it's all eyes on Pickford and whether he keeps another clean sheet.