Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Jarrad Branthwaite flew the Everton flag for England on Tuesday night, and his performance impressed Micah Richards.
Despite there being four games to play in the Nations League in the past three weeks, Jarrad Branthwaite played just 28 minutes on his call-up under Thomas Tuchel. Everton needs Branthwaite to be playing for England to ensure he is happy at the club and not seeking a new challenge.
The call-up was massively deserved, with Branthwaite playing really well this season so far in Everton’s unbeaten start to the campaign. Now, Micah Richards has praised Branthwaite in response to his England appearance.
Micah Richards tells Jarrad Branthwaite he needs to stay fit
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Richards was asked about who he would see as his dream centre-back pairing for England, and Branthwaite got a mention.
“What would be my four? I think I would go with Guehi and Konsa for now. Maybe in two years, I said, maybe introduce someone like Branthwaite, who came on tonight.
“I think he’s really good. I think he’s got all the ability to be whatever he wants. He needs to stay fit for a long period of time. But I’ll go with Guehi and Konsa at the moment.”
Branthwaite is still just 24, and despite his struggles with fitness over the past few years, he continues to bounce back and look capable of reaching the heights that Everton had hoped for him after his lightning breakthrough.
Thomas Tuchel is a big fan of Branthwaite, as he said himself after calling the Everton centre-back up last month. However, to reach these levels, Branthwaite does need to stay fit.
Branthwaite’s injury record is concerning
Richards is right on both counts of his verdict of Branthwaite, that he has all the ability in the world. But also, his fitness is one thing that might hinder him.
Already, he has a chequered injury history.
Season Club Injury Days Games missed
25/26 Everton Hamstring 43 5
25/26 Everton Unknown 5 1
25/26 Everton Hamstring 163 31
24/25 Everton Groin 18 6
24/25 Everton Groin 61 11
24/25 Everton Groin 59 9
22/23 PSV Hamstring 18 2
22/23 PSV Ill 4 1
22/23 PSV Unknown 8 2
22/23 PSV Fitness 19 2
21/22 PSV Ankle 33 –
20/21 Everton Ankle 47 7
For a 24-year-old, this is a concerning injury record, and it sees a number of recurring issues, particularly in his hamstring, which is a worry considering he relies a lot on his pace at the back.
This season hasn’t seen Branthwaite injured, and hopefully, this is a sign that he has put these issues behind him for good. But it is still early.