Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite in contention for first England call-up

Before the upcoming international break, Everton center-back Jarrad Branthwaite is being regarded as a possible answer to England’s defensive dilemma.When he announces his team for the Wembley friendlies against Brazil and Belgium on Thursday, Gareth Southgate is worried about the fitness of several of his defenders.

Due to injuries, Luke Shaw, Marc Guehi, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Reed James are not available, and Harry Maguire and Kieran Trippier’s fitness is in question.

Southgate has reportedly watched Branthwaite at least twice in recent weeks, and the England manager is said to have been impressed.

Though it’s unclear if the 21-year-old centre back makes an impression before this summer’s European Championships, Southgate sees him as a future full international.

This month, Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton might make his debut for England.

Given that the England manager will be without several key defenders for the final international break before the Euros, Gareth Southgate may turn to Branthwaite.

In fact, the players who were absent from England’s previous games—John Stones, Lewis Dunk, Levi Colwill, Ezri Konsa, and Ben Chilwell—are anticipated to be ready for the team next week.

Another answer to Southgate’s selection dilemmas at the back comes with the return of Joe Gomez as a defensive option.

However, even if Branthwaite is not selected for the squad the following week, it seems like a matter of when rather than if he receives his first senior England call-up.

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