Jarrad Branthwaite Thomas Tuchel Everton England
(Credit: Imago)
Goodison News Speaking to Ian Darke
Thu 20 March 2025 11:10, UK
Jarrad Branthwaite will be gutted to have missed out on the first England squad under Thomas Tuchel given his form for Everton.
Perhaps at even greater levels than he performed towards the end of last season under Sean Dyche, Branthwaite has been a rock at the back alongside James Tarkowski in David Moyes’ side since becoming fully fit.
Tuchel has snubbed a number of players pushing for the squad including the 22-year-old, who made his senior Three Lions bow against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Newcastle last June, and must settle for a spot in Lee Carsley’s Under-21 side.
Branthwaite gained his first cap in June 2024 (Credit: Imago)
Walker and Burn selections questioned amid Branthwaite snub
Among Tuchel’s listed defenders for England are AC Milan’s on-loan Manchester City veteran Kyle Walker, 34, and Newcastle United’s hero of the hour Dan Burn, 32.
The duo are both experienced but at opposite ends of the international spectrum, with a combined 93 full caps – Walker has all 93.
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Jordan Henderson’s return to the fold was also a controversial point debated by many online including TV commentator Ian Darke, who has displayed his shock alongside others at Branthwaite’s omission.
“I think he’s been unlucky. If you’re looking for a left-sided central defender, there aren’t many that much better than him, particularly on recent form,” Darke exclusively told Goodison News.
“He went through a period when he wasn’t properly himself, wasn’t fit and sharp, and that’s well behind him now. Branthwaite will be looking at the squad and thinking that Dan Burn has got in – I know he’s had a great week – but Branthwaite himself has to be close in that case to being in Tuchel’s conversation.
“I’m a bit surprised – you should be thinking of the future. Kyle Walker’s got in, for goodness’ sake. But other chances will crop up for Branthwaite.”
Everton manager Moyes will watch on in the hope Branthwaite returns fit from U21 duty (Credit: Imago)
Everton hope for clean bill of health
The frustration for Toffees fans and Moyes is that Branthwaite has still departed on international duty, only for Carsley’s U21 setup, in a decision which has received plenty of backlash on the Everton man’s behalf.
While it could help his game time and sharpness tick over with two games pencilled in against France and Portugal, there also remains the risk Branthwaite could pick up an injury.
England senior defenders called up Club
Dan Burn Newcastle
Levi Colwill Chelsea
Marc Guehi Crystal Palace
Reece James Chelsea
Ezri Konsa Aston Villa
Myles Lewis-Skelly Arsenal
Tino Livramento Newcastle
Jarell Quansah Liverpool
Kyle Walker AC Milan (on loan from Man City)
Branthwaite misses out on Tuchel’s first squad
Everton have now certainly done enough to stay in the Premier League in time for their exciting move to Bramley-Moore Dock, but will want to sign off Goodison Park with a run of positive results – and Branthwaite is absolutely vital to achieving that aim.
Next up when the Blues squad reunite at Finch Farm comes preparation for the Merseyside derby at Anfield against Liverpool (2 April).
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