Jarrad Branthwaite travelled to Germany in the summer to help solve the injury problems that had blighted his highly promising Everton and England career
Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite during the England press conference at St George's Park on Wednesday
Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite during the England press conference at St George's Park on Wednesday(Image: PA Media)
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Jarrad Branthwaite has revealed a "holistic approach" to his injury rehabilitation has led to his England recall. The Everton centre-half has been named in Thomas Tuchel's squad for Nations League games against Spain, Czechia (twice) and Croatia over the next fortnight.
Branthwaite, whose solitary cap came in 2024, saw his chances of going to the World Cup go up in smoke when he suffered a hamstring injury in April, which was the last on a long list of fitness issues.
But he headed to a fitness retreat in Germany over the summer where saw experts looked at a link between his brain and his body's movements.
"As a club, we sat down, and it was probably David Moyes' idea, more than anything, to go and have a look elsewhere at different things, and I think we came to that approach," Branthwaite said.
"We found someone in Germany when we went there, and I was there for three or four weeks, just looking at a different approach to the body, a holistic approach to the body, essentially. And fingers crossed, it's put me in a good position.
"I think when I was away, it's a completely different approach.
"You don't just look at the hamstring as such. You look at everything, the way you move, and how your brain works and how it functions at different times under fatigue and things.
"And I think that was a big thing, especially going into pre-season, how I've been managed through pre-season to give myself the best possible chance and build my minutes up to when I come to the start of the league that I'm ready and fit, so my body knows that it can cope with that.
"And as a club, they did a really good job with me over the summer to do that and put me in the best possible condition."
It certainly had the desired impact on his form for Everton in the early part of the season as he got a first international call-up for over two years, which is quite the turnaround from leaving the pitch in tears in April's Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium/
"When I went off with the injury, I was devastated after the amount of times I've come back from it, and then for it to happen again, I think to be called up to the England squad means everything for me," Branthwaite said.
"I think all the hard work that's gone into the rehab and to get back to this point, it makes it worthwhile.
"And I'm just buzzing to be to be back in the England squad. Every time you see your name on the list, it's a pleasure, and I'm thankful that I get this opportunity to play for England."
Branthwaite has been joined in the Three Lions squad by his Blues team-mates Jordan Pickford and James Garner.
Pickford will move on to 95 senior international caps if he plays in the four Nations League clashes over the international break.
BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Jordan Pickford, Anthony Gordon and Jarrad Branthwaite of England react as they train at St Georges Park on September 22, 2026 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Jordan Pickford, Anthony Gordon and Jarrad Branthwaite react during an England training drill at St Georges Park on Tuesday(Image: Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
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And while some pundits have questioned the goalkeeper's status as England's undisputed No.1, Branthwaite has no doubts.
Admitting Pickford is not fully appreciated, the defender said: "You see the amount of times he has played for England, the amount of times at tournaments, and the performances he has put in.
"He probably doesn’t get the credit he deserves. Fantastic keeper, fantastic person as well. It’s a pleasure to play with him.
"Every time he puts on an England shirt, he gives the best of himself. He’s been top for England, and top for club as well."
Pickford has kept five clean sheets in seven games, conceding just three goals in the process, to help Everton enjoy an unbeaten start to the campaign in all competitions.
England host world champions Spain at Wembley on Saturday (7.45pm kick-off).