David Moyes spoke on Jarrad Branthwaite's England recall as he offered a double injury update ahead of Everton v Ipswich Town
Everton manager David Moyes speaks in his pre-match press conference to preview the game against Ipswich Town
Everton manager David Moyes speaks in his pre-match press conference to preview the game against Ipswich Town
View Image
Everton manager David Moyes is delighted that Jarrad Branthwaite has earned an England recall for the first time under Thomas Tuchel. But while he hopes that the defender adds to his solitary cap so far, he doesn’t want him playing in all four Three Lions matches in the new-look bumper international break.
The Blues host Ipswich Town on Saturday in their final fixture before England face Spain (home, September 26), Czechia (away, September 29), Croatia (away, October 3) and Czechia (home October 6).
Branthwaite, who played just 10 games for Everton last season due to hamstring injuries, made his only international appearance to date as a substitute in a 3-0 friendly win over Bosnia and Herzegovina at St James’ Park on June 3.
And Moyes said: “I’m really pleased for anyone who gets selected for their country. Jarrad even more so because of the injuries he’s had.
“I was hearing that he’s only got one England cap and it was only for 28 minutes. I’m hoping he doesn’t play four games, that’s for sure!
“But I’d be thrilled if Jarrad gets in. He’s got potential to be a really good player and he’s showing lots of that at the moment.
“I think some players can take a little bit of time. Jarrad is a big, tall boy with long limbs and can take a bit of time to make sure that they grow into it a little bit.
“Over the last year or two we’ve been disappointed not to get a bit more of him. Let’s hope we can as we’ve nurtured him through pre-season and the staff here have done a really good job on him with the help he’s had to prepare himself for the season, so hopefully he’ll be fine.”
Moyes also offered fitness updates on Harrison Armstrong and Merlin Rohl after the pair missed the midweek Carabao Cup win over Wolves.
He said: “We’re still waiting on Harrison a little bit to see how he is. We expect him to be okay.
“Merlin Rohl is not available yet. Hopefully he’ll be ready at the end of the international break.”
Everton will be without Christian Norgaard, who has yet to play for the club since his summer switch from Arsenal.