Jarrad Branthwaite playing for England, England manager Thomas Tuchel (circular inset), and Everton manager David Moyes (circular inset)
Jarrad Branthwaite playing for England, England manager Thomas Tuchel (circular inset), and Everton manager David Moyes (circular inset)
Everton ace Jarrad Branthwaite is probably not feeling optimistic of adding too many minutes to his England career this next few days.
The Toffees' star centre-back is part of the Three Lions selection for Nations League clashes against Croatia and Spain.
Branthwaite has three England caps to his name, with two of those coming in the last international break against Czechia and Spain.
The 24-year-old has been an outstanding talent at Everton for several seasons now, and everyone of a Blues persuasion knows what a talent he is.
However, Thomas Tuchel's latest comments do not offer hope of extended game time in the coming days.
They may, though, be secretely loved by David Moyes as he focuses on getting Everton into Europe this season.
What did Thomas Tuchel say about Jarrad Branthwaite?
Branthwaite could be forgiven for thinking a prime opportunity may have presented itself, particularly against Croatia on Thursday.
England's first-choice centre-back pairing of Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi are both out, with the latter withdrawing altogether and the former
Guehi prefers to play on the left of a two-man pairing, so Branthwaite will have valid reasons for thinking he could have been afford an opportunity.
However, experienced Newcastle United centre-back Dan Burn - who went to the World Cup - was called up as a late replacement.
And Tuchel has hinted strongly that Burn will get the nod alongside Jarrell Quansah against Slaven Bilic's side.
Speaking at a press conference, Tuchel said: "Jarrad Branthwaite is doing very well but it’s a very different style of play for him from Everton towards us.
"You can see that Dan Burn is straight away a big voice in training and is more used to the style with Newcastle from the last two seasons with Eddie (Howe) where they followed in a high press and to man-man.
“And of course he was with us at the World Cup so he is used a bit more to our style of play. On the right side we will have Jarrell Quansah and James."
So, not exactly the vote of confidence that Branthwaite would want to hear, but they are potentially music the ears of Moyes.
Why David Moyes love what Thomas Tuchel has said
As brilliant as Branthwaite has been for Everton, it is little secret that he has had his issues with injury.
Outwardly, Moyes will always support his players, of course, and will champion Branthwaite's capability to play in any system.
Inwardly, though, you can't help but think he might be relieved that the risk of injury will be minimalised if Tuchel goes with another option.
Keeping Branthwaite fit feels crucial to Everton's hopes of maintaining a push for European football, especially with a threadbare squad.
And if he was going to play twice for England in the space of a few days, well it would exacerbate the risk of injury.
So, maybe Tuchel's decision may be frustrating for Branthwaite on a personal level, but from an Everton perspective it could be ideal.