Everton: Jarrad Branthwaite was considered for recent England senior squads, Gareth Southgate resisted temptation
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite was among a number of uncapped English Premier League stars who were considered to be called up to recent Gareth Southgate squads, according to The Times.
The Uk-based newspaper shared (13 November) that Branthwaite along with former Evertonian Anthony Gordon, Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer who has now been called up, were considered for past squads but Southgate resisted the temptation given his record of handing England debuts.
The Goodison defender has starred for Everton this season and is once again part of the Young Lions’ squad for their Euro qualifiers with Serbia and Northern Ireland during this month’s international break.
The Times wrote: “The squad is settled, it is relatively young, it has gone deep into tournaments and the reservoir of talent is the envy of many. The standard has scarcely been higher.
“Palmer, Anthony Gordon, Morgan Gibbs-White and Jarrad Branthwaite were among those presumed to have the chance of featuring in recent squads, but Southgate resisted the temptation initially.”
On its way
After spells on loan with Blackburn Rovers and PSV, Branthwaite is now a settled member of Sean Dyche’s favoured starting line-up at Everton and deservedly so after recent stunning performances at the top level.
The 21-year-old has been nothing short of sensational since usurping trusted Dyche lieutenant Michael Keane and becoming James Tarkowski’s partner at the heart of the Everton defence.
Branthwaite has become an undroppable presence so far this campaign and an absolute must-have not only for Dyche at Goodison Park but for the Young Lions too.
Certainly, a senior England call up it on its way but the Toffees gem will need to continue his development with the under-21s and at Everton before he’s even considered.
There’s still the small number of stunning options available to Gareth Southgate such as Fikayo Tomori, Marc Guehi and Levi Colwill which means Branthwaite will have to bide his time but it won’t be a surprise to see him involved a year from now.
In other Everton news, Kieran Maguire has seen 777’s plans for the new stadium and believes there will be far from universal satisfaction among the fanbase.