Sunderland players with a chance of World Cup selection this summer | OneFootball

World Cup qualifying is complete, the 48-nation field for North America is set, and Sunderland could be well represented this summer.

According to Sunderland Echo, Tuesday’s play-offs settled the last places. Italy lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties, having beaten Northern Ireland, including Trai Hume and Dan Ballard, in the semi-final in Zenica.

Lutsharel Geertruida made three appearances in qualifying and played 73 minutes in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Ecuador. His versatility and reliability make him an ideal squad option, and it would be a shock if Ronald Koeman left the 20-cap player out. Chemsdine Talbi featured for only 13 qualifying minutes but has four caps since, including against Ecuador and Paraguay, and his club form keeps him in contention.

Brian Brobbey led the line in that 1-1 with Ecuador and, despite one goal in 10 caps and no qualifying minutes, he has a strong chance. His recent club form helps his case and he would offer Koeman a useful Plan B. Nilson Angulo missed that Netherlands clash through injury, yet he has 12 caps and played in Ecuador’s last four qualifiers, including a 1-0 win over Argentina, and if fit he will be there.

Omar Alderete is a cornerstone for Los Guaraníes and will start if fit. Wilson Isidor has switched to Haiti, earning his first two caps this break and scoring a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Iceland on Tuesday. Habib Diarra featured only sporadically in qualifying, but with four goals in 18 caps and improving club form he should make Senegal’s squad.

Noah Sadiki played 73 minutes in that match and is now crucial for club and country, prized for tireless running and defensive work. Granit Xhaka missed only 14 minutes across their matches, scored two and captained his side. This could be his last World Cup, and after a stunning season on Wearside he will want to make his mark.

Source: Sunderland Echo