Gareth Southgate told England decision will impact Jarrad Branthwaite at Everton
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite’s confidence will have been knocked after he was axed from the England squad, according to Jamie O’Hara.
The Toffees centre-back had been included in the initial preliminary squad ahead of Euro 2024 but was one of seven players to make way as Gareth Southgate selected his final 26-man squad for the tournament.
Although Sky Sports pundit O’Hara had been left surprised by the Three Lions’ boss’ decision to axe the 21-year-old, he was more concerned about the impact it could have on him mentally this summer.
Speaking on Sky Sports Football (6 June) he said: “I think the Branthwaite one is the one that people are looking at and saying is that the right decision?
“Obviously Harry Maguire’s injured, I like Branthwaite, he’s had a really good season. He’s been solid, and good at the back for Everton and he is the future for England in my opinion playing in that position.
“To leave him out, knocks his confidence and you’re looking at it and thinking who plays there if one of them picks up an injury? There’s not many left-sided centre-halves that we’ve got. You could go with Guehi but Luke Shaw’s not fit
“That’s a big call to leave Branthwaite out and a lot of England fans like him as well.”
Will Everton keep Jarrad Branthwaite in the summer transfer window?
Although Branthwaite is only young and it would have disappointed any player to be left out of a squad so close to the start of the tournament, he seems to have a good head on his shoulders.
The support network the 21-year-old will have at Goodison Park will almost certainly help him bounce back quickly, something that everyone in Sean Dyche’s changing room has had to do this season after major setbacks.
He is still only young and he will undoubtedly play at other tournaments for the Three Lions in the future, as O’Hara suggests, he is the future of England’s backline and that isn’t going to change anytime soon.
Hopefully, he can enjoy a nice break before getting back to training with the rest of his teammates on Merseyside. Hopefully, he won’t spend his extra time off getting tapped up for a summer transfer by Manchester United.
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