Stephen Warnock has tipped Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite for an England call-up

Everton: Stephen Warnock would 'love' Jarrad Branthwaite development to happen

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Published on:

27 Feb 2024, 1:10 pm

Stephen Warnock would "love" to see Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite called up by England next month.

Branthwaite has been superb in his breakthrough campaign at Goodison Park, leading to suggestions he may be called up by Gareth Southgate.

The 21-year-old has caps for England at Under-20 and Under-21 level, winning the Euro 2023 title with the latter last summer.

Asked on Sky Sports News if Branthwaite is in line for a senior call-up, Warnock said [26 February, 12:57pm]: "I'd love it.

"I think he's a top, top player. He's almost like a left-footed John Stones in the way he plays the game and understands it.

"He's only going to get better with the more games he plays. Put him with better players in the England squad and it will improve him even more."

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite deserving of England call-up

Branthwaite really has been superb defensively for the Toffees this season, and he has even now added an attacking threat to his game.

His passport may say he is 21 years of age, but he plays more like someone deep into their career.

The comparisons with Stones are obvious, but it is a fair one to make. As we know with Stones, keeping hold of world-class talents in waiting is not easy.

Given the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid and supposedly even Liverpool are interested, we can brace ourselves for plenty of speculation in the summer transfer window.

Branthwaite is a player who is destined for the very top, but hopefully that is not any time soon.

The young defender should instead continue his development on Merseyside - the blue half, of course - for a couple more seasons yet.

In the longer term, Branthwaite will no doubt replicate Stones in reaching - assuming the latter now goes on to do so - 100 caps for his country.

In other Everton news, a shareholder at Goodison Park has shared their reaction to the points appeal verdict.

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Jarrad Branthwaite

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Stephen Warnock