Everton were immensely proud when the England squad was announced last week.
After all, it marked a first-ever call-up to the senior setup for Jarrad Branthwaite, the shining light in their otherwise dull campaign.
The titanic central defender was good value for his selection too, having shone all season under Sean Dyche’s leadership.
Now set to strut his stuff on the biggest stage and against some of the world’s best sides, it will be exciting to see just how well he can perform under this new pressure.
His international manager is already outlining the faith he has in him to succeed.
What Gareth Southgate said about Jarrad Branthwaite
Previewing England’s tricky upcoming clashes with Belgium and Brazil, Southgate took the time to highlight the two youngsters who he has welcomed into the senior squad for the first time.
Ironically, both earned their breakthroughs in the Premier League with Everton, but they were obviously forced to sell Anthony Gordon in an effort to comply with PSR.
Jarrad Branthwaite, though, remains at Goodison Park, and the 53-year-old manager sought to outline what the 21-year-old keeps doing which is catching his eye.
He noted: ‘We’re delighted to welcome in Jarrad Branthwaite and Anthony Gordon for the first time. Jarrad has really adapted well coming back from a loan in Holland. He’s shown a real maturity, very comfortable with the ball, training with our guys.’
Jarrad Branthwaite has more than earned his England call-up
Having joined from Carlisle United, few would have expected such a meteoric rise for the young defender despite boasting all the attributes needed to succeed.
He has always been a towering presence, and whilst it took some time for him to fill out and earn the unflinching physicality he boasts today, he blends that strength with a turn of pace which makes him a true physical marvel.
Only adding to his unique skillset is his left-footedness, as a hugely desirable trait given the lack of top left-footed centre-backs in the Premier League at the moment.
Branthwaite has used all these assets to help Everton towards one of their finest defensive campaigns in recent memory, forging a fine partnership with James Tarkowski just in front of compatriot Jordan Pickford.
They are due to link up again in the upcoming England camp.
Together, this trio have helped the Toffees to concede just 39 goals, with only the top three boasting a better defensive record.
Not only that, but the goalkeeper also ranks second in the entire division for clean sheets attained; an admirable record for a side struggling so much.
Branthwaite, at the heart of this success despite his youth, has more than earned his first senior call-up.
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