David Moyes believes Jarrad Branthwaite belongs in the England conversation after an outstanding display forEverton in Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Tottenham.
Branthwaite was at the heart of an Everton defence which survived a difficult opening spell before largely keeping Spurs at arm’s length.
The 24-year-old produced a series of important interventions as Moyes’ side dug in for a point, and his manager believes there is still plenty more to come from him.
Moyes backs Branthwaite for England
Asked about Branthwaite’s England prospects afterwards, Moyes said: “It would be fabulous if he did. I think England have got some really good centre-halves at the moment.
“You’ve got Marc Guehi, Levi Colwill, Ezri Konsa, there’s some really good centre-halves. But I think Jarrad’s in that group and I think there’s far more to come from Jarrad as well.”
Branthwaite has previously been involved with the England senior squad but is still waiting for his first senior cap.
His performance at Tottenham did his case no harm, with Moyes particularly pleased by the work of his defence after Spurs put Everton under heavy pressure early on.
“The likes of Jarrad Branthwaite, Vitaliy Mykolenko and James Tarkowski played really well today,” Moyes said.
“Ainsley Maitland-Niles needs a mention as well. Really pleased with the fact that he has come in and done really well for us.”
Branthwaite’s return was a timely one for Everton, who needed their defenders during a difficult opening to the game before growing into it and creating chances of their own.
It also gave Moyes another reminder of the quality he has at the heart of his defence, just as the England conversation begins again.
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