Everton are slap-bang in the middle of a much-needed break from Premier League football.
Sean Dyche’s men have already completed their short trip to Portugal and are now back in the country ahead of a huge top-flight fixture against Bournemouth next weekend.
After Nottingham Forest’s four-point deduction, a win would be a massive step away from a nervy end to the season.
Of course, Dyche will be eager to work with his players on the training ground over the next nine days; however, the Everton boss will have to do so without several important first-team players.
Seven players are now heading off on international duty, and all eyes will be on Jarrad Branthwaite’s performance on his first call-up to England’s senior squad.
The 21-year-old has been lauded this season, and rightfully so. Now, talking on the Stick to Football Podcast, Ian Wright has backed the “brilliant” Cumbrian to stake a claim alongside John Stones.
What has Ian Wright said about Jarrad Branthwaite?
The former Arsenal striker believes the Everton defender could complement the Manchester City star at the heart of England’s defence.
Wright told Stick to Football: “With Jarrad Branthwaite at Everton, you think to yourself, you have watched him this season, and you think he’s got pace, brilliant, reading of the game, fantastic, attacking the ball, brilliant, passing out. You think they have surely got to be looking at him. So to see him in there as well.”
The 60-year-old added: “So with that kind of pace next to John Stones, who is having an unbelievable season himself, you are starting to look down the spine of the team it’s pretty strong.”
How does Jarrad Branthwaite match up to England’s defensive options?
Stones is almost certain to start; the question will be who partners the 29-year-old.
Southgate has called up Lewis Dunk, Ezri Konsa, Harry Maguire, and Joe Gomez to his squad. In the case of Dunk and Maguire, the England boss needs to start looking past the duo. The pair are 32 and 31, respectively. Surely, it’s time for a longer-term plan.
Furthermore, as Wright has alluded, pace alongside Stones would suit the Manchester City man and perhaps bring out the best in him.
Konsa is another who could stake a claim, but what has the Aston Villa defender done that Branthwaite hasn’t? If anything, the 26-year-old has operated predominantly in a right-back role this season and wouldn’t be the best option alongside Stones.
The England boss’s decision should centre around Gomez or Branthwaite. The Liverpool defender has been impressive this season and has attributes similar to those of the Everton star.
Over the next week, we will find out a lot more about who will partner Stones for this summer’s European Championships.
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