There's less than three weeks to go until the Women's World Cup gets underway in Australia and New Zeland and the tournament looks set to be the biggest spectacle in women's football history.
Following on from the success of last year's Euros - which saw England secure the nation's first major trophy since 1966 - anticipation is building for the summer ahead. The tournament will kick off on July 20 and will conclude exactly a month later, with 32 countries battling it out to take home the most coveted prize in football.
After an impressive first Women's Super League season under Brian Sorensen, a host of Everton stars will be making the trip down under to represent their respective countries. While there will be no Everton players taking to the field for the Lionesses, a number of Blues still have the potential to impress on the world stage this summer.
The ECHO has rounded up all of the Everton players taking part in the World Cup and when they will be in action at the tournament.
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Courtney Brosnan - Republic of Ireland
This summer marks the first time the Republic of Ireland will feature at a World Cup and that feat is, in no small part, thanks to the performances of Everton goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan. The 27-year-old, who arrived on Merseyside from West Ham in the summer of 2021, saved a crucial penalty in the Republic of Ireland's World Cup Qualifier play-off against Scotland, which the Girls in Green eventually won 1–0 to book their spot at the tournament.
Brosnan, who last week confirmed she would be staying at Everton until at least June 2024, will be in action against Australia in Sydney on July 20, before taking on Canada on July 26 and Nigeria on July 31.
Katrine Veje - Denmark
Despite missing part of last season with a knee injury, Katrine Veje was a standout performer for the Blues after making a summer switch from FC Rosengård. The defender has enjoyed a stellar international career since making her Denmark debut back in 2009 and, with more than 140 senior caps to her name, it's no surprise she has been named in Lars Søndergaard's 23-player squad for this summer's tournament.
Denmark - who finished runners-up at EURO 2017 - kick off their World Cup campaign against China on July 22, before taking on England on July 28 and Haiti on August 1.
Nathalie Bjorn - Sweden
Nathalie Bjorn cemented herself as a defensive mainstay under Brian Sorensen last term and will hope to carry that excellent form into the World Cup. The 26-year-old represented Sweden at the 2019 World Cup, where she helped the side to a third-placed finish, and secured a silver medal in the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Sweden will face South Africa on July 23, Italy on July 29 and Argentina on August 2.
Clare Wheeler - Australia
Midfielder Clare Wheeler established herself as a real fan favourite after joining Everton on loan from Fortuna Hjorring last summer. The 25-year-old made that move permanent in January and her excellent form since the turn of the year has seen her win a place in Australia's World Cup squad. With a host of Women's Super League stars - including Chelsea striker Sam Kerr - on their roster, the Matlidas are among the favourites to go all the way at this summer's tournament, particularly considering they will be competing on home soil.
Tony Gustavsson's side will start their World Cup campaign against the Republic of Ireland on July 20 before taking on Nigeria on July 27 and Canada on July 31.
Hanna Bennison - Sweden
At just 20 years old, Hanna Bennison is one of the most exciting young talents in world football. After becoming Everton's record signing in 2021, the midfielder has continued to go from strength to strength under Brian Sorensen. She already has plenty experience on the international stage, too, having won more than 30 caps since making her senior Sweden debut in 2019.
She will join Everton teammate Nathalie Bjorn in facing South Africa on July 23, Italy on July 29 and Argentina on August 2.
Karen Holmgaard - Denmark
Karen Holmgaard joined Everton last summer, alongside twin sister Sara, and made 24 appearances for the Blues last term. The defensive midfielder was included in Denmark's squad at last summer's Euros and has made the cut again for the World Cup, where she will face China on July 22, before taking on England on July 28 and Haiti on August 1.
Nicoline Sorensen - Denmark
Making up Everton's Danish World Cup trio is winger Nicoline Sorensen, who made her long-awaited return from an anterior cruciate ligament [ACL] injury last December. Despite having spent more than 14 months on the sidelines, Sorensen managed a healthy return of two goals and four assists in 15 appearances last season and has managed to battle her way into Lars Søndergaard's 23-player squad.
After missing out on a spot at the Euros, Sorensen will be hoping to make her mark when Denmark take to the field against China on July 22.
Katja Snoeijs - Netherlands
Striker Katja Snoeijs managed seven goals in 21 league appearances for Everton in her first season at Walton Hall Park, and was lauded by manager Brian Sorensen for her incredible work rate. With that glowing endorsement in mind, its perhaps no surprise the 26-year-old has been chosen to represent her native Netherlands at the World Cup.
With talismanic Dutch forward Vivianne Miedema set to miss the tournament through injury, the EURO 2017 winners will be hoping Snoeijs can help spark their attack into life this summer. The Netherlands will take on Portugal on July 23, before facing the USA on July 27 and Vietnam on August 1.
