BBC Sport journalist moots England ‘breakthrough’ for Jarrad Branthwaite amid Everton ‘stresses’
Everton ace Jarrad Branthwaite could be among the next breakthrough English stars, according to BBC Sport journalist Alex Howell.
The Toffees defender has been named in Lee Carsley’s England Under-21 squad for their two European qualifiers this month.
The Young Lions host Serbia on Thursday (12 October) before an away trip to take on Ukraine on Monday (16 October).
Discussing players who could have a “big impact and possibly be the next breakthrough English stars,” Howell wrote for BBC Sport: “How well Branthwaite is doing in a struggling Everton side has been noticed and the chance to come and play for England will give him a break from the current stresses at his club.
“Branthwaite was part of the U21s squad that won the European Championship in Georgia in the summer and he impressed those high up in the FA with his performance against Germany in the group stages.
“The 21-year-old is a ‘second year’ U21s player and he is expected to form a solid partnership with captain Taylor Harwood-Bellis now Levi Colwill has progressed to the senior set up.”
Bright future
Everton ace Branthwaite has had a superb career to date, with the youngster shining on loan last season at Dutch giants PSV.
In the Netherlands, the young defender gained crucial experience domestically and in the Europa League and in the Champions League qualifiers.
He has now taken that experience to Goodison Park, with the youngster now a regular under Sean Dyche after initially struggling to get into the starting XI.
It hasn’t been pretty for the Toffees this season, but Branthwaite has certainly impressed on an individual level, and is certain to continue starting for his club in the months to come.
And those starts will boost his international chances for England, even if he will continue with the Under-21 squad for the time being.
However, if the 21-year-old defender can continue impressing for club and country, a senior England call-up from manager Gareth Southgate won’t be too far away.
In other Everton news, a Toffees star has sent a one-word message to Eden Hazard after he announced his retirement from football.