Branthwaite, Ball
(Credit: Imago)
Carla Devine
Tue 25 March 2025 11:10, UK
Jarrad Branthwaite has continued to be a standout performer for Everton this season under both Sean Dyche and David Moyes.
Although he has performed well, Thomas Tuchel did not call Branthwaite up to his first squad as England manager, and instead, he had to settle for Under-21 action.
After a 4-2 win against Portugal on Monday (24 March), the defender will now be preparing to return to Goodison Park and finish this season on a high.
Jarrad Branthwaite is a core part of the Everton squad. (Credit: Imago)
Michael Ball offers Branthwaite perspective
Many Everton supporters will feel as though Branthwaite was deserving of a call-up to the England squad, with the defender having consistently performed in Blue over the last few seasons.
This term, the 22-year-old has made 22 Premier League appearances so far in what has been a difficult campaign both on and off the pitch.
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Moyes’ return to Goodison Park changed the direction of Everton’s season, and Branthwaite has been a core part of that, starting every game under the Scotsman.
Season Appearances
2024/25 22
2023/24 35
Jarrad Branthwaite has established himself at Everton.
Former Toffees man Michael Ball admitted that he was shocked the defender didn’t get a call-up to the senior international squad, but offered a positive perspective on the situation.
Writing in the Liverpool Echo (25 March), he said: “Along with a lot of Evertonians, I was disappointed that Jarrad Branthwaite was not picked to be part of Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad.
“I think that since David Moyes came in, his performances have really improved and have been closer to those levels that made him the breakthrough star of last season.
“He missed much of the summer and has been playing catch-up this term. It’s taken a while for him to find his rhythm and get back into his stride.”
David Moyes has turned Everton’s fortunes around. (Credit: Imago)
Everton to make the most of Branthwaite
When you look at some of the other players who were called up to the England squad on the back of their history rather than their current form, you can understand why there would be frustration on the part of Everton.
However, the injury picked up by Vitaliy Mykolenko may shed light on a positive.
Mykolenko is set to have an MRI scan to determine how serious his injury is, and there are worries that he could be out for several weeks, leaving the Toffees short of options.
The problem is, though, with interest continuing to swirl around Branthwaite going into the summer transfer window, if he is not getting a call-up at Everton, the player himself may feel that a move upwards could increase his chances of a senior appearance.
Manchester United, Tottenham and Real Madrid have all been credited with interest in signing the 22-year-old this summer, and as Everton look to put themselves in a more sustainable position going forward, an offer could be hard to turn down.
For now, Moyes and his side need to focus on carrying on their good form, with a trip to Anfield up next upon their return from international duty. Any worries about the future of different players can wait until the season has come to an end.
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