Everton: Paul Merson shares ‘unfair’ Jarrad Branthwaite verdict after England call-up
Everton ace Jarrad Branthwaite “has to play” in both of England’s matches this month, according to Paul Merson.
The defender has been called up by Gareth Southgate for the squad to take on Brazil and Belgium in international action.
The Three Lions take on South American giants Brazil and European heavyweights Belgium in friendly clashes at Wembley.
“It’s unfair to bring in players like Cole Palmer and Jarrad Branthwaite and play them at Wembley alongside a lorry load of players with three or four caps each,” Merson wrote for Sky Sports.
“Jarrad Branthwaite has to play in both games to see where he’s at. At Everton, they play on the edge of their own box. Head it, block it, kick it away. They’re under the cosh for 75 per cent of the games you’re in.
“With England, you’re playing on the halfway line and dominating matches but against Brazil and Belgium you’re playing up against players who are electric and running in behind. How do you cope with it? These two good teams will come and have a go at England. He deserves to be in, he’s done well, but now we’ve got to see where he’s at.”
Will Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite make his England debut this month?
Branthwaite has been impressing at Goodison Park this season, having been eased into the first-team expertly by Sean Dyche.
But perhaps an England call-up may have come as a surprise, with the young defender having been previously playing in the Under-21 setup.
He now makes the step up to the senior squad, with a Three Lions debut on the cards against either Brazil or Belgium.
That would be another superb step in his exciting career so far, particularly given the calibre of the opposition and indeed the venue, with Wembley hosting both games.
But Branthwaite will face heavy competition for a starting role in central defence, as is the case with every position in Southgate’s squad.
Every player will be desperate for minutes this month, with time rapidly running out until Southgate selects his final squad for this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament, where England will meet Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia in Group C.
In other Everton news, Branthwaite’s transfer value has emerged amid interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.
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