Thomas Tuchel and Jarrad Branthwaite have shared their thoughts after the Everton centre-back was recalled to the England squad
England's German head coach Thomas Tuchel attends a press conference at Wembley Stadium, north west London, on September 18, 2026, ahead of their Nations League fixture against Spain. (Photo by Brook Mitchell / AFP via Getty Images) / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE
Thomas Tuchel speaks at a press conference at Wembley today after announcing his first England squad of the new season(Image: Brook Mitchell / AFP via Getty Images)
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England boss Thomas Tuchel has admitted Jarrad Branthwaite has long been on his radar after calling up the Everton centre-back star for the first time in his reign.
Branthwaite's sole cap for the Three Lions came under Gareth Southgate, against Bosnia and Herzegovina in June 2024, and his attempts to force his way into Tuchel's plans have been hit by injury.
But after returning to full fitness over the summer, the 24-year-old has started the new season in fantastic form and he has been rewarded by being selected for England's Nations League matches against world champions Spain (home), Czech Republic (away and home) and Croatia (away), alongside Everton team-mate Jordan Pickford, over the three-week international break.
And speaking at his press conference to announce the squad, Tuchel was asked why he selected Branthwaite over Levi Colwill, who worked with the German while he was in charge of Chelsea.
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Tuchel said: "I wanted to take the opportunity to give Jarrad Branthwaite a chance. He was injured several times when we had the chance to call him up.
"He's had a very good start with Everton, he’s also a left-footed player, so it was 51% decision for Jarrad because I don’t have a clear picture what he’s all about, and I have a very clear picture of what Levi can bring us."
It will be the first time that Tuchel has worked with Branthwaite, who has been talked up for an England recall by his club manager, David Moyes.
“We have Jarrad for a long time on our radar and in our notes,” said Tuchel in a separate interview. “It’s big potential.
“He’s fast, tall, good in build-up, has a strong left foot. It seems like he has a good package to offer. The coach (Moyes) speaks very highly of him.”
For Branthwaite, it is pay off for the hard work he has shown since his 2025-26 season was ended in devastating fashion in the heartbreaking Merseyside derby to Liverpool at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The defender, speaking to Everton's media team after his England selection, said: "It's brilliant, an amazing achievement. After last season my aspiration was to get into the squad, so to make it this time is good.
"All the hard work has paid off, so hopefully I can go there, enjoy myself and play some games.
"When you're injured, these are the things you look for in the future, and I think it's a great achievement to get into the squad. Hopefully I can go there, show what I can, and give a good account of myself.
"It's my dream to play for England so to have the chance to do it again is something special for me and my family. I can't wait."
After being an unused substitute in the midweek Carabao Cup win at home to Wolves, Branthwaite is expected to return to the Everton staring line-up in Saturday's Premier League encounter with Ipswich Town at Hill Dickinson Stadium (3pm kick-off).