‘Sneaky’- Chris Sutton backs Jarrad Branthwaite for spot in England Euro 2024 squad
The centre-back has been in sensational form for the Toffees this season, which has seen him linked with a big-money move away from the club with Manchester United said to be interested in a deal.
And there has been talk of the 21-year-old earning a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s national team squad in March, and while appearing on Football Focus (24 February) the pundits insisted he could end up in the squad for this summer’s major tournament if a couple of the regular additions suffer an injury.
“Do you think the Euros are too soon for him?” she asked, before Sutton’s response.
“I think Gareth is a bit of a stickler. He likes tried and tested. But he’s [Branthwaite] put himself in the frame if there is an injury or two, then I think he’ll be up there.”
Scott then added that he could get a “sneaky place” in the side if things go his way.
Anyone who has watched Everton and Branthwaite this season will be well aware of his qualities, and they will surely be excited about his development.
After spending the season last year on loan with PSV Eindhoven you can see that he has learnt well about how to deal with games when the team is on the front foot, while Sean Dyche has helped him learn how to defend first too.
Join the Goodison News WhatsApp channel to get all our exclusives and the breaking transfer news FIRST.
His ability on the ball makes him a fantastic option in a back-three or back-four, and athletically he is fantastic too at 6ft 4′ with pace.
Should Jarrad Branthwaite go to the Euros?#BBCFootball #FootballFocus #efc pic.twitter.com/BRJIL70DZT
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) February 24, 2024
View Tweet
As Sutton says however, Southgate is known for having his favourites within the England setup. Harry Maguire was getting in despite minimal game time at Manchester United for a long time while players like Kalvin Phillips have received regular call-ups too.
Central defence is an area where England have plenty of options so while they won’t be any weaker for taking Branthwaite in the summer, there’s also no rush. He will get his caps in the coming years and will be a regular in the team.
