Everton: Dion Dublin shares ‘brilliant’ Jarrad Branthwaite verdict live on BBC
Dion Dublin has gushed over Everton and Manchester United pair Jarrad Branthwaite and Kobbie Mainoo ahead of their potential England debuts against Brazil on 23 March.
Dublin insisted both Branthwaite and Mainoo would start for most teams in the Premier League, stating the fact they don’t start for England shows the strength in depth of this squad.
The Everton defender is expected to start on the bench against Brazil but may come on to earn his first cap in what would be a proud moment for everybody at Goodison Park.
Speaking live on BBC Football Focus [23 March, 11:48], Dublin gushed: “Those players would probably get into most Premier League starting XIs, they’ve been that good. Branthwiate has been brilliant, Kobbie Mainoo is only 18, he’s been brilliant, what a future he’s got.”
Jarrad Branthwaite could earn first England cap v Brazil
Should Southgate opt to call on Branthwiate at any stage, it will mark the first step in what many now expect to be a long and illustrious career in international football, as well as giving him an opportunity to earn a place in the Euro 2024 squad.
Harry Maguire and John Stones are the recognised starting pair under Southgate, but Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi has become a regular in the England squads, missing out this time through injury, while Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa also provides competition.
Despite the level of competition in his position, a maiden England call-up is a huge step for a player who has stamped his name on the team at Goodison Park and become an established presence in the Premier League.
Branthwaite’s performances at Goodison Park have been so impressive that he has earned transfer links to the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United, and if he can prove himself on the international stage, his price tag may just shoot up again.
In other Everton news, the Premier League have granted 777 conditional takeover approval.
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