Sigurdsson joins ranks of Russia-bound Blues

I am hoping they don't play him if he is not fully recovered; it may set him back.

It's a poor reflection on where Everton FC are at the moment, when so few of our current squad were picked by their respective national teams for the Russian World Cup.

Ramiro would have needed a run of games to prove his form, but didn't get the opportunity. Too big a risk to include him ahead of players who have been playing during past 12 months.

Not surprised about Funes Mori – yes, there was the injury, but even when he was in the side he wasn't playing that well, and IMO when Sampaoli took over last summer, it was the end of his chances. Sampaoli prizes passing, and that's not Ramiro's strong point. Otamendi, Fazio and Mascherano were always going to get the call ahead of him. Even obscurities like Mercado and Ansaldi beat him out.

James, I don't think Rojo gets off the bench, not with Tagliafico and Acuna in the side. The latter isn't even a defender, but he was named as one, which means Sampaoli is going to attack-attack-attack.

The fewer of our players exposed to the rigours of the tournament, the better.

So Funes Mori was overlooked by Sampaoli after being overlooked by Sam-Pie-OLE!

Grab my coat!

There's nothing more disruptive and counter-productive to pre-season training than having half a squad, either due to injury sustained, or them having their time off in lieu of having been involved.

The new Manager, which is increasingly looking like being Marco Silva, will at least have a chance to get to know his charges, and be able to formulate some sort of idea on what his best selection and game plan will be.

Of course, if any incoming players are involved in the World Cup, it will be unavoidable.

Granted we didn't win anything but he made some great signings on a pauper's budget and now, with nearly unlimited finances, he could be successful.

World Cup? Everton players? Who gives a fuck?

Poor showing at the World Cup for us – 3 players is dreadful; shows what a limited squad we have right now.

But, I remember meeting Andy Hinchcliffe at Birch Services in 1994 before a pre-season game at Oldham. He told me the manager was doing his nut over Anders Limpar, who was complaining of fatigue after playing a whole 14 minutes in his one sub appearance in the USA World Cup.

I would like to think of the squad getting a good break and detoxing last season out of their system... before coming back fresh to disappoint us all again next season.

Anyway, I think the less players we have at the World Cup, the better. It just delays their pre-season if they even have one and disrupts team bonding –especially with a new manager coming in.

Good luck to Sigurdsson, Pickford and Gueye! Come back injury free please!!

Remind me again, how did Moyes get on with unlimited finances at Manchester United?!

He will come back rested but looking like a Turkish Tyson Fury.

Ah well, there's always Spain to look forward to after England disappear off the scene. 16/1 today, England – nah, I won't bother.

Or will we still be waiting while the World Cup is on? While Kenwright is still here, that's what we will get, the World Cup! Dance with the big boys? I doubt it!

The RS will sign Butland before the World Cup, then an astonishing and amazing coincidence will occur.

Pickford will get demoted.

I hope Sigurdsson has a blinder, assuming he is fully fit.

Gutted for Omar and Funes Mori. Lack of game time, and it will be hard to get a better price on any player whom the club was looking to sell, by missing the premier tournament in football.

On the plus side, may we find some gold and a good price.