Jarrad Branthwaite, Chris Sutton
(Credit: Imago)
Dakir Thanveer
Sun 16 March 2025 7:10, UK
Chris Sutton has serious concerns about Thomas Tuchel after he disregarded Jarrad Branthwaite’s form for Everton to leave him out of his England squad.
Everton fans will remember how much the team struggled without Branthwaite at the start of the season, with Sean Dyche’s side winning only one and losing four of their seven Premier League games in that period.
Branthwaite has helped the Goodison Park outfit keep seven clean sheets in the league since returning from injury and there is no doubt that the Toffees look much more assured with him in defence.
The centre-back has continued to be a key player for the Merseyside-based club after David Moyes took the reins in January, even chipping in with an assist in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool in February.
Thomas Tuchel
Tuchel has sparked controversy with his England squad selection. (Credit: Imago)
Sutton baffled by Branthwaite’s England omission
That is why Sutton is baffled by Tuchel’s decision to omit Branthwaite from his first squad as the England manager ahead of the upcoming international break.
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The pundit feels the German tactician is not selecting his squad based on players’ form and doubts if he has even watched the Everton ace play this season.
Matches Starts Minutes Goals Assists Goals Conceded Clean Sheets Yellow Cards Red Cards
21 19 1716′ – 1 18 7 3 0
Branthwaite in Premier League 2024-25. (FootyStats)
He also suggested that the 22-year-old deserved to be selected ahead of Newcastle’s Dan Burn, who has been named in the 26-man squad.
“Tuchel isn’t picking players on form”, Sutton said on BBC One’s Football Focus (15 March, 11:26 am).
“Another player I don’t know whether we’re going to talk about, Jarrad Branthwaite. How is he not in the squad? I do not get that one.
“I don’t know whether Thomas Tuchel would have watched him play this season, but on merit, he deserves to be in.
“We put a bit of debate over whether Dan Burn should be in.”
It’s time to reveal Thomas Tuchel’s first #ThreeLions squad! 👀🏴
— England (@England) March 14, 2025
Everton relieved by Tuchel decision
Everton, though, will have no complaints about Tuchel leaving Branthwaite out of his England squad as it would allow him to rest well before returning for the final stretch of the season.
The defender has started in each of the Toffees’ games across all competitions since 9 November and Moyes will be keen to ensure he remains for the remainder of the campaign.
The Merseyside-based club, though, can afford to rest Branthwaite on occasion as they have steered clear of the relegation zone.
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