Everton: Matt Upson drops ‘amazing’ Jarrad Branthwaite England call-up verdict on Sky Sports
Matthew Upson believes Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has “amazing potential” but doubts he will get an England call-up for the Euros.
The 21-year-old has already represented the Three Lions at Under-21 level on six occasions in the past.
He has broken into the Toffees’ first team this season under Sean Dyche and is being tipped for a bright future in the game.
Branthwaite has made 29 appearances in all competitions this term, 23 of which have come in the league.
Upson has been impressed and said on Sky Sports Soccer Special (6 March, 7:20pm): “He’s showing amazing potential and he’s in great form. The challenges he’s putting in, the mobility he’s showing, he’s up there with the best performers in the Premier League at the moment. He’s getting a lot of opportunities to do it, to showcase those skills.”
When asked whether he could get into the England squad, he said: “Yes he’s in great form but it’s very late to start incorporating somebody into that. Gareth kind of likes to go with players he knows.”
Everton ace Jarrad Branthwaite tipped to miss out on England call-up
Branthwaite wouldn’t look out of place in England’s team if Gareth Southgate decided to call on him. However, as Upson has alluded to, the Three Lions’ manager tends to pick players who he knows and trusts, especially for big tournaments.
Everton signed the centre-back in 2020 after he broke into the senior team at local team Carlisle United and he was loaned out to PSV last term to get some experience under his belt.
He was a hit during his time in Holland and played 36 matches altogether for the Eredivisie giants, chipping in with four goals from the back.
Branthwaite returned to Goodison Park last year and has since become one of their most prized assets in this campaign.
Dyche’s side will face a battle to keep hold of him this summer, regardless of what league they find themselves in. He has been linked with a few clubs already.
In other Everton news, they have their sights set on a new defender.
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