Everton: Sean Dyche ‘surprised’ by what happened to Jarrad Branthwaite on England duty
Everton manager Sean Dyche admits he was “surprised” Jarrad Branthwaite did not feature for England during the international break.
Branthwaite’s form at Goodison Park saw him rewarded with a first call up to the Three Lions’ senior squad.
However, the centre-back was an unused substitute in the loss to Brazil and draw with Belgium at Wembley.
Dyche was asked at his pre-Bournemouth press conference on Thursday (28 March) what he made of Branthwaite’s lack of minutes
“As a manager, I was surprised he didn’t get even a few minutes,” he said via the Kick streaming app.
“I had a quick word with him today. It hasn’t knocked his confidence – if anything it’s boosted him.”
Jarrad Branthwaite centre of transfer attention
Getting called up by Gareth Southgate was a just reward for Branthwaite, who has been simply superb for the Toffees this campaign.
It has been quite the rise for the youngster, who impressed in the second half of last season on loan at PSV and has done likewise at Everton.
Southgate had these two friendlies to experiment, and he did that to some extent with some making their senior bows.
However, Branthwaite – who has been linked with numerous clubs – was not one of those, not helped by the fact that England were not leading either match.
Had they been 1-0 up against Belgium with 15 minutes to go, say, Branthwaite may well have been introduced.
While it is surprising Branthwaite did not get any minutes, it is also understandable from the England manager’s perspective.
And if nothing else, it means the 21-year-old was kept fresh by not having to play 180 minutes for the Under-21s side.
That can only be good news when Everton head to Bournemouth on their return to Premier League action this weekend.
In other Everton news, Dyche also provided a team news update ahead of the match with Bournemouth.
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