Everton: Mixed news for Sean Dyche as Jarrad Branthwaite in line for England call-up
Everton have not been anywhere near their best in recent seasons, with the Toffees involved in several relegation battles.
Somehow, the Merseyside outfit have managed to stay in the Premier League until now, although they are once again in danger of the drop.
Sean Dyche has done his best to steady the ship at Goodison Park, with the manager faced with continuous distractions on and off the pitch.
But one constant has been the displays of young central defender Jarrad Branthwaite, who has been calm and composed at the back all season.
Such displays could now result in a great reward for the centre-back, with England manager Gareth Southgate potentially including the player in his next squad after checking in on his performances [Daily Mail, 5 March].
The Three Lions will meet Brazil and Belgium in international friendlies later this month, and Toffees ace Branthwaite may just make the cut.
Will Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite be handed an England call-up this month?
That would be a massive boost for the player and indeed Everton, with the club only going to benefit from having an England international in their squad.
Branthwaite himself would gain huge confidence from the selection, which could make a real difference to the Merseyside outfit’s survival hopes this season.
At the same time, however, a first international call-up for Branthwaite will also come as a blow to Dyche, who knows that the step up to the senior side is only going to increase interest in one of his star players.
The central defender has been heavily linked with a Goodison Park exit, with that speculation going to heat up even further in the summer should Branthwaite get the nod from Southgate, never mind actually stepping out onto the pitch for England.
In other Everton news, Ben Jacobs has shared a Tottenham Hotspur transfer stance on one Goodison Park ace.
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