Wayne Rooney ‘shocked’ at situation surrounding Everton gem Jarrad Branthwaite
Wayne Rooney has claimed he is “shocked” by the omission of Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite from the England squad for Euro 2024.
The 120-cap legend mentioned on Sky’s The Overlap [12 June, 4m 48s] that the 21-year-old would have made a good addition to Gareth Southgate’s 26-man list.
Branthwaite has enjoyed an excellent season at Goodison Park and made his Three Lions debut against Bosnia on 3 June, but was one of seven players culled from the final squad who have now arrived at their training base in Germany for the tournament.
Rooney admitted: “Branthwaite is one I would have taken. For the balance of the back-line – he’s a big lad, good on the ball and has a good season.”
England great Rooney later added: “He’s the biggest shock [omission] for me, with Harry [Maguire] being out. I’m so surprised. Branthwaite would’ve given so much balance as a left-footer. I was shocked.”
Everton ace Jarrad Branthwaite would have strengthened England defence
Make no mistake, Branthwaite is desperately unlucky not to have made the final 26.
His progress this season – which has seen him heavily linked with a lucrative Manchester United move as Everton look to stand firm – has been nothing short of remarkable and he is a crucial cog in Sean Dyche’s pragmatic Toffees unit.
Rooney is correct in his assessment that the England defence appears lopsided, especially with Kieran Trippier expected to start at least the first couple of games at left-back as a right-footer, and Marc Guehi set to partner John Stones in the centre of defence.
Branthwaite would have offered that calmness and natural left-sidedness, and Rooney also raised the point that his excellent ability to play through the lines would offer England a quicker ‘out-ball’ in transitioning to attack.
Whilst last week’s Wembley defeat to Iceland provided little in the way of optimism for England fans for a suspect defence, it remains to be seen whether former centre-half Southgate will regret his ‘too soon’ call on the 21-year-old.
In other Everton news, an assessment has been made of Andy Bell and George Downing’s interest in buying the club.
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