Ian Wright calls for Everton fan backlash if Jarrad Branthwaite development doesn’t happen
Ian Wright has urged Gareth Southgate to not only call up Jarrad Branthwaite but to also play the Everton defender in next month’s friendlies.
Branthwaite has been heavily tipped for a first senior international cap after starring at the back for Everton this season.
The youngster has been touted as a target for the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid and even Liverpool in recent weeks.
And if he does not feature in the Three Lions’ upcoming friendlies with Brazil and Belgium, Wright insists questions should be asked of Southgate.
“I wanna give flowers to Jarrad Branthwaite,” the former Arsenal striker said on his Wrighty’s House podcast [25 February, 48m 48s].
“I believe he will be in the next England squad – he has everything. You watch how he plays, left-sided and plays out, he has all the attributes.
“Then when you listen to his interview after the game, he sounds like someone who is already ‘here’.
“He doesn’t look out of place as an England player and should be called up. Not only should he be called up, he should be playing.
“We’re going into the Euros, so get him playing, get him some confidence. I’m telling you, we have a monster on our hands. A monster.
“If it doesn’t happen, people should be saying something about that.”
Everton may have Jarrad Branthwaite transfer dilemma
Everton fans have known for a while that they have a real talent on their hands in Branthwaite, and so that is proving.
The wider world is also now aware of it and a call-up for England’s next batch of fixtures will only enhance his reputation.
Whether or not that is a good thing from Everton’s perspective is another matter as plenty of eyes will be on him.
If the Toffees are relegated this season, it goes without saying that Branthwaite will move on.
Should they stay up, though, then it will take a massive offer for the club to consider cashing in on a player who only recently signed a new deal.
Like the John Stones situation previously, the unfortunate truth is that players with world-class potential will ultimately be snapped up.
All we can hope for is that Everton get at least a couple more years of service out of him before then.
In other Everton news, Andy Gray fell for Richard Keys’ taunt after the Toffees’ 1-1 draw with Brighton and Hove Albion.
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