Everton: Alan Shearer makes Jarrad Branthwaite Euro 2024 admission after Gareth Southgate snub
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite may have boosted his chances of making England's Euro 2024 squad by not playing in the March international break, according to Alan Shearer.
The 21-year-old centre-back received his first senior call-up for the Three Lions' friendlies against Belgium and Brazil but was an unused substitute in both matches as Gareth Southgate experimented with alternative options.
Lewis Dunk started ahead of Branthwaite but made a crucial mistake against Belgium in Tuesday's (26 March) draw and Shearer thinks that error may have helped the Toffees centre-back's chances of making the trip to Germany.
Writing for The Athletic on Wednesday (27 March) he said: "It won't specifically damage his chances because, as disappointing as it was that he didn't get a game, the player who did play ahead of him, Dunk, made a big error.
"That might even aid Branthwaite's chances. I do like him. I think he has a big future ahead of him."
Will Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite be in the England team for Euro 2024?
Many pundits and supporters alike have been baffled by Southgate's decision not to play Branthwaite for at least part of England's two friendlies in March, but as Shearer suggested, it won't harm the defender's chances of selection.
Dunk hasn't been good enough when he has played for England and his performance against Belgium may have been the final nail in the coffin for his hopes of making the tournament as he did look out of his depth.
From an Everton perspective, Sean Dyche and Toffees supporters will just be delighted that the 21-year-old came through the international break unscathed as Everton look to dodge relegation to the Championship this season.
Hopefully, Branthwaite will continue to impress between now and the end of the season. If he continues to shine alongside James Tarkowski, it will be almost impossible for Southgate to ignore him for this summer's tournament.
However, should he continue to impress in the league, transfer speculation and discussions around his future are only going to escalate.
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