Everton: Phil McNulty shares whether Jarrad Branthwaite could make England debut
Gareth Southgate will be taking a close look at Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite in the upcoming international fixtures, according to Phil McNulty.
Asked in his Q&A on the BBC Sport website on Monday (18 March, 12:08pm) what the England boss will be looking for from his players over the next week, the journalist said he will be looking to see what condition his tried and trusted stars are currently in.
But he added that Branthwaite and Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, who have both been called up for the first time, will be two players Southgate will be watching to potentially give him some food for thought before he names his Three Lions squad for the European Championships this summer.
“I think he will be looking for his tried and trusted players to show they are in good condition and in good form,” said McNulty.
“But I think he will be taking a really close look at those he has called into the squad, such as Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, to maybe give him some food for thought before he names his final party for Euro 2024 in Germany.”
Jarrad Branthwaite earned England call-up after Everton form
It was no real surprise to see Branthwaite called up to the England squad for the games against Brazil and Belgium on the back of his impressive form for Everton this season.
The 21-year-old has nailed down a place in the starting lineup at Goodison Park and really caught the eye with his performances.
He previously put in some strong displays for the England U-21s, so he’s probably been on Southgate’s radar for some time.
It would provide the centre-back with even more confidence if he did manage to make his senior debut in the upcoming fixtures, but competition for places is pretty fierce.
If he does manage to impress over the next 10 days or so, though, then he will no doubt give his chances of making the European Championships squad a major boost.
In other Everton news, Moshiri was left without £200million paperwork to sign as a PSR blunder has emerged.
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