The Everton star was named among the substitutes for the international friendly in Lorient.
Branthwaite, from Wigton, was introduced by boss Lee Carsley in the 73rd minute, the defender taking the place of Manchester City's Rico Lewis.
At that stage England were 4-3 down and went on to lose 5-3.
Branthwaite, who won his seventh U21 cap in the process, also wore the captain's armband for the closing stages of the game, which included a goal by striker Liam Delap, son of former Carlisle United star Rory and a red card for Delap's Ipswich Town team-mate Omari Hutchinson.
Ex-Blues defender Branthwaite was included in the U21 squad after being overlooked by new Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel for his first game in charge against Albania.
The two Cumbrians who did make the senior cut, goalkeepers Dean Henderson and James Trafford, were unused substitutes as Jordan Pickford got the nod in goal for a 2-0 victory which featured goals from debutant Myles Lewis-Skelly and captain Harry Kane.
James Trafford (back left) was named among the substitutes for England in their 2-0 win over Albania in Thomas Tuchel's first game in chargeJames Trafford (back left) was named among the substitutes for England in their 2-0 win over Albania in Thomas Tuchel's first game in charge (Image: PA)
Branthwaite could get another opportunity for the Under-21s when they take on Portugal next Monday at The Hawthorns, West Bromwich Albion.
Henderson and Trafford, meanwhile, will again be in the senior squad for Monday night's clash with Latvia at Wembley.
Carlisle United's Charlie McArthur, meanwhile, enjoyed a winning debut for Scotland Under-21s.
Charlie McArthur came off the bench for Scotland Under-21sCharlie McArthur came off the bench for Scotland Under-21s (Image: Richard Parkes)
The Newcastle United loan defender came on at half-time and contributed to a clean sheet as Scot Gemmill's side defeated the Republic of Ireland 2-0 at the Pinatar Arena, Spain.
McArthur, who was called up this week despite not being named in the initial squad, will hope for another international outing when Scotland take on Iceland next Tuesday.
His call-up rules the 19-year-old out of Carlisle's League Two home games against Bromley on Saturday and MK Dons next Tuesday.