Gareth Southgate catches 21-year-old Everton man on off day during West Ham defeat

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Everton’s 3-1 defeat to West Ham United at Goodison Park on Saturday was a huge missed opportunity in their bid to avoid relegation.

The Merseysiders had the chance to move eight points clear of the drop zone with victory but were left to rue several missed chances.

Everton have been pretty solid at the back this season, and have conceded the joint fourth-fewest goals in the division, but yesterday they returned to their old habits.

Sean Dyche‘s side shipped three goals in the final 30 minutes of the game and that did Jarrad Branthwaite no favours, as England boss Gareth Southgate watched on.

Jarrad Branthwaite struggles in England audition

Branthwaite has enjoyed a stellar breakthrough season with Everton this term, so much so, that Manchester United and Real Madrid were both linked with the 21-year-old during the January transfer window.

The left-footed defender, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at Dutch outfit PSV last year, is among Everton’s highest-rated players this term, as per WhoScored.

But, unfortunately for Branthwaite, perhaps his worst showing of the season happened to be in front of Southgate on Saturday.

The Three Lions boss was believed to be watching the England under-21 international as he prepares to name his March squad for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.

Conceding three goals would’ve done his Three Lions hopes no favours, however, he still has time to impress ahead of this summer’s European Championships in Germany.

Jarrad Brainwaite must stay focused

There is still plenty of football to be played between now and the summer, so Branthwaite must remain focused and not disheartened after Saturday’s defeat.

With The Toffees only five points clear of 18th-placed Luton Town, Dyche must not allow his players to become complacent, particularly after the four-point boost.

Branthwaite has one more game to impress Southgate before this month’s squad is announced, and that is against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

If the highly-rated defender puts in a good showing against The Red Devils and contributes to a clean sheet, there’s every chance Southgate will select him for a first senior call-up.

From an Everton perspective, though, they must get back to winning ways, as defeat against the Hammers extended their winless run to 10 games in the Premier League, their worst top-flight run in 40 years.

Dyche and his coaching staff must devise a plan to combat his side’s wastefulness in front of goal, as we enter the business end of the season.