Everton seek FA answer after Jarrad Branthwaite England snub
Everton reached out to the Football Association (FA) after Jarrad Branthwaite was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.
The former Chelsea boss excluded the Toffees centre-back from his squad for the international break as the Three Lions beat Albania and Latvia in the World Cup qualifiers.
Branthwaite’s exclusion raised eyebrows at Goodison Park after his impressive performances in recent months.
Newcastle United defender Dan Burn and Liverpool ace Jarell Quansah made it into Tuchel’s plans ahead of the Blues’ centre-back, which seemed questionable.
FA give Branthwaite assurance to Everton after Tuchel snub
Branthwaite’s exclusion from the England squad isn’t down to him being an Everton player, according to TBR Football.
The news outlet reports (25 March) that the FA have assured the Merseyside outfit that the 22-year-old defender’s chances aren’t being held back because he plays for the Blues.
| Competition | Appearances | Points per game |
| Premier League | 22 | 1.32 |
It has been claimed that the Toffees strongly believe the English centre-back playing for them is not the reason for his lack of opportunities with the Three Lions.
Everton have also dismissed suggestions that Branthwaite may need to leave the club to get into Tuchel’s plans.
Tuchel makes Branthwaite error after England squad announcement
Tuchel arguably made an error not picking Branthwaite in England’s squad for the international break.
Quansah’s inclusion in the Three Lions’ squad raises some questions about the criteria the former Chelsea boss used to select players.
The Liverpool youngster emerged as a promising prospect last season but has hardly featured for the Reds in the current campaign.
Branthwaite has been influential at Everton as of late, and Tuchel is rightly being scrutinised for not picking him ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
David Moyes’ return to Goodison Park has seen the Toffees open a considerable gap with the relegation zone, and the 22-year-old defender has played a pivotal role in the success.
The English centre-back has arguably been one of the best players in the Premier League this season, and fans have every right to feel some bias directed towards the Merseyside outfit.
While Jordan Pickford represents Everton on the international stage, the Three Lions don’t have a lot of quality backup goalkeepers.
Branthwaite should be part of England’s squad, and it would be a shame to see him miss out again during the next international break.