Everton: Darren Bent and Andy Goldstein clash over Jarrad Branthwaite amid new ‘struggle’
Darren Bent and Andy Goldstein have clashed live on air over Everton ace Jarrad Branthwaite, having played zero minutes for England during the international break.
The 21-year-old was called up to the Three Lions squad for the first time, alongside Harry Maguire, John Stones, Lewis Dunk, Joe Gomez and Ezri Konsa, hoping to make his international debut.
Having played Brazil and Belgium into a duo of international friendlies, Branthwaite was an unused substitute for both matches, suggesting that the Toffees defender will not be taken to Euro 2024 this summer.
Speaking live via talkSPORT on Wednesday (27 March, 4:10pm), Goldstein questioned: “Jarrad Branthwaite didn’t play a minute, Cole Palmer didn’t play a minute. Does that tell you that they’re on the plane?
In response, Bent said: “No. Absolutely not. For whatever reason, he didn’t feel the need to play them. There are other players ahead of them in their positions, and that’s maybe why they didn’t get any game time.
“Now, for them, it comes down to club form. I think it’s probably too late for Palmer and Branthwaite unless there’s a flurry of injuries. You can’t throw people into the deep end.
Frustrated with Gareth Southgate for not playing Branthwaite, Goldstein added: “He did with Kobbie [Mainoo]. So why didn’t he give minutes to Branthwaite? That’s the area we struggle in.”
Should Gareth Southgate be taking Jarrad Branthwaite to Germany in the summer?
If Southgate is a man of his word, choosing his England squad for Euro 2024 based on club form, the Toffees centre-back should definitely be on the plane.
England’s main defensive liability was showcased against Belgium – Brighton’s Dunk. Brazil’s Endrick was able to make the most of the defender’s poor header as the Three Lions lost 1-0 on Saturday 23 March.
Another Dunk mistake saw Romelu Lukaku latch onto a long pass before a beautiful pass into the middle for Youri Tielemans to bag his second for Belgium on Tuesday 26 March.
With Stones and Maguire both facing injuries during the international break, Branthwaite would have offered the perfect coverage, despite his lack of experience for England.
The youngster has forged a formidable relationship with James Tarkowski at Goodison Park, impressively only conceding more goals than Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City.
That statistic alone should have convinced Southgate that the Everton centre-back is ready and prepared for his international debut, and should be a definite member of the Euro 2024 squad this summer.
In other Everton news, Sky Sports have shared the three things that must happen for 777 to get full control of the club.
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