What's next for Jarrad Branthwaite with England after Everton defender's cameo vs Spain?
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite came on for England in the final minutes of their defeat against Spain on Saturday.
Thomas Tuchel started with Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi at the back as the Three Lions lost 3-2 at Wembley Stadium on 26 September.
Despite taking the lead before the break, the hosts couldn't hold on after and defensive errors cost them.
Branthwaite has done well at Hill Dickinson Stadium this season after recovering from injury and was rewarded by Tuchel with an England call.
While it wouldn't surprise many that the Toffees' centre-back is behind Konsa and Guehi in the pecking order, he will be expected to get minutes during the extended international break.
After what was seen from England against Spain, the German boss may now be tempted to start the Merseyside outfit's defender in Prague against Czechia.
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Branthwaite is past his injury concerns at Everton and looks on course to have one of his best seasons under David Moyes.
If the young Englishman can stay fit, he'll undoubtedly play a big role in pushing the Blues to success in the 2026-27 campaign.
Tuchel isn't a big fan of the three-week break so soon after the World Cup and will surely want to use every player at his disposal.
Guehi looked tired and exhausted against Spain, with his error in the opening minutes highlighting a lack of concentration, something that isn't normal for the Manchester City defender.
The former Crystal Palace star has played a lot of football in recent months, so it makes sense for Tuchel to replace him with Branthwaite for the game at the Fortuna Arena on 29 September.
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Branthwaite has formed an exceptional partnership with James Tarkowski, with Everton boasting the joint-best defensive record in the Premier League.
Leeds United and the Toffees have conceded just three goals after five league matches and that has been the foundation for the two clubs' early-season success.
Moyes would definitely wrap Branthwaite in cotton wool if he could, but Tuchel seems desperate for his services.
The Scottish manager saw the centre-back struggle with multiple hamstring issues in the previous campaign and wouldn't want anything to happen to him with the Three Lions.