“Such an embarassing performance” Gareth Southgate left red-faced by Everton ace in England loss v Brazil

Everton’s representation in the England national team was notable, with Gareth Southgate selecting both Jordan Pickford and Jarrad Branthwaite for the international friendlies against Brazil and Belgium. However, the start to the fixtures was less than ideal, as England suffered a 1-0 defeat to Brazil at Wembley Stadium on the 23rd of March, marking their first loss at the venue since October 2020.

The Everton faithful were already expressing their discontent when Branthwaite, their standout defender, was relegated to the bench rather than being awarded his first cap for England. Southgate’s decision was further scrutinized following the match’s outcome.

During the game against Brazil, with 25 minutes left on the clock, Southgate was eager to inject new energy into the defense. He brought on Brighton’s Lewis Dunk and Liverpool’s Joe Gomez to replace Ben Chilwell and Harry Maguire. This decision left Branthwaite as the only defender on the bench who didn’t get to play.

Branthwaite, who has been instrumental in forming a solid defensive partnership with James Tarkowski at Goodison Park, might feel slighted. Their defensive prowess has been such that only a few top teams have conceded fewer goals than Everton, despite the Toffees’ lower league position.

The match took a turn when a defensive error from Lewis Dunk allowed Brazil’s young talent, Endrick, to seize an opportunity created by Vinicius Junior’s pressing play. Although Pickford managed to save the initial shot, he was unable to stop the follow-up, leading to Brazil’s winning goal.

Branthwaite, who has been a rock in Everton’s defense, could understandably speculate that had he been on the pitch instead of Dunk, the outcome might have been different, possibly resulting in a draw for England.

The upcoming friendly against Belgium on the 26th of March presents Southgate with a chance to rectify the situation. It could be the perfect opportunity to give Branthwaite his debut and potentially start him in the match, which would be a significant milestone in the young defender’s career.

In other news related to Everton, Jordan Pickford has recently praised a teammate from Goodison Park, referring to him as a ‘Rolls-Royce’ of a player following a recent development.

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