Jarrad Branthwaite: New update emerges on Everton star's starting chances ahead of Czechia vs England
Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite may have an open door for an England start against Czechia.
Thomas Tuchel brought the Blues ace on in the 89th minute against World Champions Spain last time out.
That was Branthwaite's second cap for his country, and both have been cameos from the substitutes bench.
His previous appearance was against Bosnia and Herzegovina in June 2024, when he featured for 28 minutes.
The Three Lions have a new injury blow may give Branthwaite a chance to make his first start at centre-back on Tuesday in the UEFA Nations League clash in Prague.
A new update has been shared on the chances of the Hill Dickinson Stadium defender being named in Thomas Tuchel's side for the national team.
What has been said about Jarrad Branthwaite's starting chances in Czechia vs England?
Ezri Konsa is an injury doubt for England's clash at the Fortuna Arena, which could give the Toffees star an opportunity.
talkSPORT's England correspondent Adrian Durham shared insight into Branthwaite's starting chances on Tuesday morning.
Speaking on the breakfast show with Ally McCoist and Gabby Agbonlahor, he said: "At centre-half there is a problem, Konsa is in the squad, but we know he has not been fully fit.
“I don’t think he wants to lose Konsa from the 11, but I think he would have wanted possibly to put Branthwaite in tonight, to see him start.
“Branthwaite is 24 and he has only played twice for England, including the couple of minutes at the end of the Spain game.
“He needs to get England caps under his belt as soon as possible, can he do that if Konsa is not fully fit, can he leave Guehi out, it is an interesting dilemma for Tuchel.”
That provides hope that the 24-year-old can finally get his chance to play from the start for his country.
How Branthwaite can forge future starting role for England?
A good performance from Branthwaite could cement his place in the side.
Tuchel has already shared what he feels about the young defender, labelling him as having
If he show that on the international stage, and perform how he has been for David Moyes' side, then he has every chance of making the former Chelsea manager's decision even harder in future.
According to FotMob data, he has made 10.80 defensive contributions per game, with one tackle, 1.4 interceptions, 2.8 recoveries and 6.20 clearances.
In terms of duels, he has won 63.6 per cent on the ground and 68.4 per cent in the air.
If he can produce those kinds of numbers and make an impression on the Three Lions boss, he may find himself in the starting XI a lot more in the near future.
Branthwaite has bounced back from injury issues in recent years, which has kept him out of the fold, but now he has a chance to put himself in a great position.