Everton: Phil McNulty hails ‘powerful’ Jarrad Branthwaite as he’s stunned by Gareth Southgate
Phil McNulty has questioned why Jarrad Branthwaite was not selected by England manager Gareth Southgate against Belgium.
Southgate opted to leave Branthwaite out for the Three Lions’ friendly with Belgium on Tuesday (26 March), choosing to start Lewis Dunk instead.
It was a decision which baffled McNulty, with the BBC Sport’s chief football writer commenting on Southgate’s team selection in his live matchday blog (26 March, 8:00 pm).
“Just a note on manager Gareth Southgate’s England team selection.
“It is a bit surprising that Lewis Dunk gets the nod ahead of Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite in England manager Gareth Southgate’s starting line up here tonight.
“Surely this would have been an ideal opportunity to see what the powerful young defender is made of?”
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite wrongly snubbed by Gareth Southgate for England v Belgium
Branthwaite will be wondering what he needs to do to get some minutes on the pitch for England.
After an impressive season at Goodison Park, the defender was rewarded with an international call-up, but it has so far proven to be a waste of time for the 21-year-old.
Branthwaite was given no playing time as Southgate’s side were beaten 1-0 by Brazil at Wembley on Saturday (23 March), and when John Stones went off injured against Belgium, he still couldn’t get a look in.
This is the perfect opportunity for Southgate to take a look at some of his younger stars in the England squad, and not utilising Branthwaite could prove to be a mistake from the England boss.
Sean Dyche will be just as frustrated, as he would have most likely preferred to have kept Branthwaite back at Finch Farm if the centre-back wasn’t going to get any playing time for his country.
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