Gareth Southgate very impressed by £35k-a-week player after watching Everton in recent weeks

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Everton’s relationship with the England national team in recent years has been a patchy one.

Fans of every Premier League club will feel that their top young prospect is deserving of the ultimate accolade, but ultimately there are only so many that Gareth Southgate can select.

He must find the right blend of experienced quality and youthful energy to forge a side worthy of winning the elite honours, especially with the talent now at his disposal.

However, for many years it felt like the Toffees saw their star names snubbed in favour of the so-called ‘Big Six’.

Well, that might at last be set to change…

Who has Gareth Southgate been watching for Everton

With Southgate having been pictured at Goodison Park on a number of occasions now, it is clear that someone at Everton has caught his eye.

And whilst many might assume it is merely to watch Jordan Pickford strut his stuff, it is widely regarded that the goalkeeper’s position remains cemented.

So who is the England boss so intent on watching? Well, the Daily Mail seems to think it is Jarrad Branthwaite, as they report that the 21-year-old is seen as a future starter for the national side by Southgate.

Not only that, but this month could mark his first-ever call-up to the senior squad, having starred for the U21s previously.

With the European Championships this summer, there is excitement and almost an expectation that Branthwaite might be able to stake a late starting claim ahead of this huge tournament.

After all, the report also details how impressed the former Crystal Palace defender has been with the £35k-a-week centre-back.

Jarrad Branthwaite should start for England at the Euros

Whilst many might laugh off the idea that Branthwaite should be starting at the Euros, it is likely those same people who are under the illusion that Pickford is only good for his country.

In reality, the former Sunderland man has been Everton’s most important player for years now, having largely cut out the rash and reckless mistakes.

Now, he surely should be joined by the man who sits in front of him for his club, and who has helped contribute to Everton boasting the fourth-best defensive record in the Premier League.

Only Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City have conceded less than them.

Branthwaite has been an integral part of that too, with his immense physical presence and turn of pace making him the perfect modern-day defender.

Alongside John Stones, these two could forge a fine partnership to lead England to glory. Southgate just needs to take a punt, starting this month.