Why Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite could be in line for England feature vs Czechia
Everton could see Jarrad Branthwaite play a role for England as they face Czechia on Tuesday.
The end of a long international is now in sight.
It has been nearly three weeks since the last Premier League encounter and everyone wants action back at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Nations League action isn't quite over yet as the Three Lions are preparing for their final encounter of the break.
The Toffees will be keen to see their centre-back in action having played just one minute in the past three fixtures.
Branthwaite could be in line to feature for England at Wembley after the latest discussion on Sky Sports News.
Will Jarrad Branthwaite play for England vs Czechia?
There is always an element of frustration when a player links up with his national team and hardly plays.
The Blues have certainly felt that in the past two weeks as both Jordan Pickford and Branthwaite have struggled for gametime.
The keeper at least started against Croatia, while his club mate watched on from the bench once again.
A sole minute against Spain sums up his struggles with the Three Lions, but he isn't alone.
Thomas Tuchel has been reluctant to use too many fresh faces throughout his reign, something which has now been echoed on Sky Sports.
Speaking on Tuesday, journalist Rob Dorsett asked: "Do you expect Jarrad Branthwaite or any uncapped players to be ready for the Euros?"
Fellow Sky pundit James Green was unsure about the coming months and years, but suggested the Everton man could play a part against Czechia.
He said: "I think Thomas Tuchel is the kind of manager who likes to stick with a core group, with players that he trusts and supports. Branthwaite came off the bench against Spain and there may be an opportunity tonight [vs Czechia].
"Tuchel sees him in training, but I'd be surprised if he ushers these new players straight into the team. He wants to be really careful and sure of his decisions before disrupting, what he believes, is a core group."
That would represent a positive way to end the international break, but how can Branthwaite make his presence felt?
How Branthwaite can echo Everton form for England
Injuries have blighted the 24-year-old on Merseyside recently.
That would impact anyone, but it seems that the centre-back has been able to take it in his stride.
His performances this season have been excellent, summed up by his most recent outing.
Branthwaite clocked up the most defensive actions on the pitch against Ipswich Town with 14, but Tuchel wants more from his defenders.
That isn't to say that the Everton man doesn't have talents with the ball at his feet.
He has completed over 38 passes per 90 in the Premier League, while also maintaining an 84 per cent accuracy.
That is made all the better by 8.2 of those, on average, being line-breaking.
The Englishman has also won 4.2 duels while only being dribbled past 0.2 times per game.
Should he show these sorts of qualities with England, there's no reason why he shouldn't earn favour under Tuchel.