Steve Bruce gushes over Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite after what he saw
Steve Bruce is seemingly a huge fan of Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, suggesting that he could start for England at Euro 2024 this summer.
The 21-year-old has experienced a sharp rise at Goodison Park, creating a formidable centre-back partnership with James Tarkowski as the Toffees avoided Premier League relegation.
Branthwaite was finally handed his international debut as England beat Bosnia & Herzegovina on Monday 3 June, though some believe he is ready for a starting position under Gareth Southgate.
Speaking live via talkSPORT on Tuesday (4 June, 9:16am), Bruce said: “He’s had a great rise. I remember watching him when he was a kid at Carlisle [United], did really well and got the move to Everton.
“He’s come through the ranks at Everton and has really gone from strength to strength, playing every week under Sean Dyche. He’s a natural left-sider so he’s certainly got the ability [to start for England].”
Could Everton ace Jarrad Branthwaite start for England this summer?
There are no doubts about Branthwaite’s talent, which is exactly why he has been involved in Southgate’s provisional squad ahead of the trip to Germany later this summer.
The centre-back has formed a defensive trio with Tarkowski and Jordan Pickford, a defence that only conceded more goals than Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool in the Premier League this season.
Of course, making his Three Lions debut will be an extremely proud moment for him, but he will, undoubtedly, be wanting more after only getting onto the pitch for 35 minutes.
With John Stones and Harry Maguire normally the chosen partnership, it is unlikely that Branthwaite will be given a considerable role at Euro 2024. However, injuries could change that very quickly.
Both first-choice defenders are prone to injury, and Southgate will need to make sure his squad are ready for all eventualities. With Marc Guehi, Lewis Dunk and Jarell Quansah in the current squad, the manager has a difficult decision to make.
In other Everton news, a takeover “victory” has sparked calls to remove Farhad Moshiri from the club’s board.
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