Everton: England call-up development over Jarrad Branthwaite as Gareth Southgate sweats

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is in contention for his first England call-up ahead of the upcoming international break, according to the Daily Mail.

The newspaper reported on its website on Tuesday (5 March) that Gareth Southgate has watched the 21-year-old on at least two occasions in recent weeks and is understood to have been impressed by the centre-back.

It added that the Three Lions boss is considering the England U-21 international as a solution to his current defensive crisis for the games against Brazil and Belgium towards the back end of March, but Liverpool defender Joe Gomez could be another option heading into the fixtures.

Jarrad Branthwaite will make England bow soon amid Everton form

It seems pretty inevitable that Branthwaite will receive an England call-up sooner rather than later following his form for Everton this season.

This could be the perfect time for Southgate to introduce the centre-back to the senior set-up due to his extensive list of injuries in the defensive department.

It comes as no surprise to hear he's been impressed with Branthwaite after he's built up a solid partnership with James Tarkowski since forcing his way into the side earlier on in this campaign.

The Englishman has been continuously linked with a move away from Goodison Park as some of the biggest clubs have been keeping an eye on him.

While there is no way the Toffees would want to see him leave the club any time soon, international exposure can only add to his ever-increasing price tag.

In other Everton news, 777 Partners has received verbal confirmation from the Premier League as a takeover twist has now emerged.

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