Everton are nearing a comeback to club action this weekend, as they await a trip to AFC Bournemouth to kickstart their Premier League campaign again.
It has been nearly three weeks since their latest match, a disappointing 2-0 loss at Old Trafford despite once again dominating Manchester United.
And whilst many might worry over rustiness, it is instead expected that Sean Dyche will have welcomed this break, to refresh his tired and struggling squad.
However, there has been no such rest for Jarrad Branthwaite, who has enjoyed a whirlwind past week since earning his first senior England call-up.
Now, we await to see whether he will actually make an appearance after being denied it against Brazil.
Jarrad Branthwaite could be set for his first England cap
‘I haven’t experienced that before,’ said Southgate recently regarding the injury crisis he is suffering within the England camp.
Already he has seen the likes of Bukayo Saka, Kyle Walker, Harry Kane and Sam Johnstone all return to their respective clubs after failing fitness tests.
However, most importantly for Branthwaite, so too has Harry Maguire.
An opportunity has arisen for the 21-year-old to finally strut his stuff, and hopefully he is afforded the opportunity to do so against Belgium.
BBC journalist Phil McNulty certainly is hoping to see him feature, as he replied to one fan’s question about whether it is time for him to start: ‘Certainly is, Gav.
‘I think Branthwaite should start against Belgium. I like Lewis Dunk and he is a very good player for Brighton but he gave a rather uncertain performance as a substitute against Brazil and was involved in their winning goal.
‘What is there to lose by starting Branthwaite tomorrow? He has had an outstanding season in a struggling team at Everton so let’s see how he shapes up.’
Gareth Southgate must start Jarrad Branthwaite
It made little sense why Southgate seemed so against offering Branthwaite that elusive first cap last week, especially given the substitutes he did make.
After all, he was handed a perfect opportunity to initiate him, but instead opted for Lewis Dunk.
Tonight should mark a no-brainer, especially with the aforementioned injury crisis, to potentially start Branthwaite beside John Stones and form the partnership that I think England should maintain going into the European Championships this summer.
It is the perfect blend of technical prowess and passing competency, whilst also offering solidity and a reliability that Maguire perhaps lacks at times.
Everton’s star man is tall, fast, left-footed and incredibly mature for his age. He could be the future of both his club and country, with one pundit already suggesting he might even captain the latter one day.
Why not start his journey towards that accolade now?
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