James Tarkowski believes injury problems were the only thing delaying Jarrad Branthwaite’s return to the England squad.
The Everton captain has welcomed the recognition for his regular centre-back partner, who is back on international duty after being selected for England’s latest Nations League fixtures.
“I’m delighted,” Tarkowski said. “We all know how good he is.”
Tarkowski welcomes Branthwaite England recognition
Branthwaite’s injury problems disrupted his progress before the defender returned to full fitness and re-established himself in David Moyes’s side.
Tarkowski believes that interruption explains why the 24-year-old had to wait for further England recognition.
“Injuries probably delayed his call-up initially, but now he’s back fit and playing every week,” he said. “So, [the call-up] is no surprise to me.”
The comments were shared by Everton’s official X account, with the club describing Branthwaite as “fully fit and in fine form”.
Fully fit and in fine form. 💪
Skipper James Tarkowski is delighted to see centre-back partner Jarrad Branthwaite recognised on the international stage. 🏴 pic.twitter.com/x0IG9bxmhQ
— Everton (@Everton) September 28, 2026
Branthwaite spent part of the summer rehabilitating in Germany before returning to regular Premier League action. He has since resumed his partnership with Tarkowski at the heart of Moyes’s defence.
That partnership has been part of an encouraging defensive start to the season. Everton went into the international break unbeaten in seven matches across all competitions, keeping five clean sheets along the way.
Branthwaite’s return to the England setup now gives him another opportunity at international level after his injury-hit spell.
Tarkowski sees his team-mate’s qualities every week and believes the latest recognition is fully merited. With Branthwaite fit again and playing regularly, his England recall came as no surprise to the Everton captain.
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