Gary Lineker put on the spot over exit-linked Everton ace Jarrad Branthwaite as prediction made
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has “got a chance” of being called up to England’s squad for Euro 2024 by Gareth Southgate, according to Gary Lineker.
The Toffees’ centre-back has been in excellent form under Sean Dyche this season, forming a solid defensive partnership with James Tarkowski as the Blues look to dodge relegation from the Premier League.
While the 21-year-old is yet to win a senior cap with only one international break before this summer’s tournament, Lineker thinks Southgate may take a risk and include Branthwaite in his squad for the trip to Germany.
Writing in a Reddit ‘ask me anything’ on Wednesday (21 February) he said: “I’ve been put on the spot there. I think maybe Branthwaite from Everton, I think he’s got a chance. It’s just an area of the team that Gareth might get to give someone a chance.
“I know Cole Palmer’s already been in the England squad and played, so it doesn’t quite count, but I think he’s got a real chance of making the squad.
“I will go with Kobbie Mainoo as the other one because he has impressed me so much. I mean, he’s so young, I think he’s just 18. So to do what he’s doing is quite remarkable at a club like Manchester United. So I think he might sneak in.”
Will Everton keep Jarrad Branthwaite at Goodison Park this summer?
Branthwaite’s rise into Dyche’s first team this season has been incredibly impressive, as the 21-year-old has gone from a completely unknown quantity to one of the most important players currently at Goodison Park.
England aren’t blessed with many options at centre-back currently and therefore it would make perfect sense for Southgate to call upon the Everton defender for this summer’s tournament.
However, from a Toffees’ perspective, it could harm their chances of keeping the 21-year-old at Goodison Park next season if he was to impress on the world stage in a Three Lions shirt.
Hopefully, Branthwaite will be given the chance to impress for his national side by Southgate and the Toffees will at least be able to raise their asking price for the centre-back as some Premier League giants circle.
In other Everton news, Rio Ferdinand has sent Mason Holgate a new message after the loanee received racist abuse
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