Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite and Thomas Tuchel
(Credit: Imago/England on YouTube)
Aheed Abrar
Sat 15 March 2025 10:30, UK
Thomas Tuchel has been blasted for excluding Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite from his England squad by Tony Cottee.
The German manager revealed his first 26-player squad since taking over from Gareth Southgate on an 18-month contract.
Branthwaite has been pivotal at Goodison Park this season but still hasn’t been able to get into Tuchel’s plans.
Instead, the 22-year-old centre-back will join Lee Carsley’s England Under-21 squad, who will play France and Portugal’s youth teams during the March international break.
Jarrad Branthwaite
Tuchel has excluded Everton defender Branthwaite from his England squad. (Credit: Imago)
Cottee blasts Tuchel for Branthwaite England snub
Branthwaite should have been included in England’s senior squad, Cottee says.
MORE TOFFEES STORIES
The ex-Toffee can’t believe some of the decisions Tuchel has made while picking the 26-man list for the Three Lions, with the 22-year-old defender’s exclusion being one of them.
Cottee has also slammed the English manager for overlooking Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibb’s-White in favour of Jordan Henderson.
Competition (2024/25) Appearances
Premier League 21
FA Cup 2
Carabao Cup 1
Branthwaite’s record in the all competitions this season.
Speaking on talkSPORT (15 March, 9:13), the former Everton striker said: “It’s typical of England. In my opinion it’s a right mess. Why would you appoint someone for 18 months? If you appoint someone for 18 months, they’re only ever going to look at who’s going to be involved in the next 18 months.
“There’s no thought about the future. Yeah, Branthwaite should have been in there. How on earth does Gibbs-White not get in there? I’m scratching my head. I can’t understand that. And you bring back Henderson. He’s been a great player, but it’s not the future for England.
“But that’s what happens when you bring in a short-term manager, you get a short-term policy. That’s exactly what England have got.”
Branthwaite deserves England call-up by Tuchel after Everton displays
Branthwaite’s form at Goodison Park has seen the likes of Real Madrid keeping tabs on him.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see the 22-year-old complete a big-money move away from the Merseyside outfit in the near future.
Tuchel has included Newcastle United defender Dan Burn in his plans, and while the 32-year-old has been impressive under Eddie Howe, he isn’t a long-term option.
Liverpool youngster Jarell Quansah has also made the German manager’s list, but the 22-year-old has hardly featured for the Reds this season.
David Moyes has heavily relied on Branthwaite as the Blues have embarked on their seven-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, and he arguably deserves a pay rise soon.
The centre-back is yet to make his debut for England’s senior squad, which doesn’t make sense considering how good he has been.
Cottee has rightfully reprimanded Tuchel, and the German boss’ decision feels baffling as the Three Lions have to prepare for the 2026 World Cup.
It would be a shame if the 22-year-old defender can’t convince the former Chelsea boss to count on him for the next major international tournament hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Related Posts