Jamie Carragher makes Jarrad Branthwaite and Everton admission as England update emerges
Jamie Carragher has shared his reaction after it was reported Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite would not be part of England's squad for Euro 2024.
The 21-year-old had been included in the Three Lions initial 33-man preliminary squad ahead of the tournament, but reports suggest Gareth Southgate will not include the Toffees star in his final 26-man side [Matt Law, 6 June].
Although a number of big stars like Jack Grealish and Harry Maguire have also been left behind by the England boss, Carragher has been quick to question Southgate's decision to snub Branthwaite.
Writing on X on Thursday (6 June) Carragher said: "Lots of bigger names than Jarrad Branthwaite have missed out on the England squad, but he should’ve been picked to go to EURO2024.
"He’s England’s present and future."
Has Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite been included in England Euro 2024 squad?
As Carragher suggested, most fans' question marks will over Southgate's decision to leave the likes of Grealish and James Maddison at home this summer, but his most questionable call could be the one that impacts Everton.
In a season where the Toffees have had to contend with several issues both on and off the field, Branthwaite and his centre-back partner James Tarkowski have been superb. There is an argument to suggest they both deserved call-ups.
With Harry Maguire set to miss the tournament through injury as well, it seems ridiculous that Southgate wouldn't take the 21-year-old just to add some depth to his backline, particularly on the left side of the defence where he is already short of options.
Ultimately, what could be England's loss may prove to be the Toffees gain. Their star centre-half can now spend the entirety of pre-season with Sean Dyche's side and will also no longer be in the shop window for potential suitors this summer.
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