Sunderland's World Cup stars leading the way ahead of Premier League rivals | OneFootball

Sunderland and Crystal Palace are setting the pace among Premier League clubs at this summer's World Cup in North America, with Sunderland's 12 representatives making their mark in the opening fortnight.

According to Sunderland Echo, Brian Brobbey has been on target for the Netherlands, while Granit Xhaka has provided nous and leadership as Switzerland's captain. Wilson Isidor's long-range strike could not prevent defeat, and Nilson Angulo scored as Ecuador shocked Germany to reach the knockouts.

Habib Diarra became the fifth Sunderland scorer at the finals with a close-range effort in Senegal's comprehensive win against Iraq on Friday. That tally pulled Sunderland level with Palace for the most group-stage goals by a Premier League club.

Isidor is now heading home for a break before turning his focus to the new season, but several Black Cats are preparing for knockout ties over the coming days.

Across the division, Sunderland and Palace have seven, ahead of Newcastle United, Arsenal and Manchester United on five. Liverpool and Manchester City are on four, Wolves three, Brighton and West Ham two, Aston Villa, Everton and Tottenham one.

Manchester City's Erling Haaland leads the Premier League contingent with four goals. The chasing pack on three includes Brian Brobbey, Ismaila Sarr, Matheus Cunha and Yoane Wissa.

Source: Sunderland Echo