“His England career may be over” What Gareth Southgate did last night proves why Jarrad Branthwaite will be wasted by England

Everton, under the guidance of Sean Dyche, has significantly contributed to the growth and development of Jarrad Branthwaite this season. The 21-year-old defender, who has shown immense potential, earned his stripes following an impressive loan stint at PSV Eindhoven. Now, despite Everton’s struggles in the league, Branthwaite’s performances have not gone unnoticed, catching the eye of England’s manager, Gareth Southgate.

Branthwaite’s rapid ascent in the football world is a testament to his hard work and the faith Everton has placed in him. His blend of physical prowess and technical skill makes him a promising talent for the future, rightfully earning him a spot in the England squad.

During the recent England vs. Brazil match at Wembley, Southgate made the decision to start Anthony Gordon but left Branthwaite on the bench. Given the current state of the Brazilian team, which is not as formidable as in the past, this match would have been an ideal opportunity for Branthwaite to make his debut. The primary challenge he would have faced was Rodrygo, a winger playing as the central striker, which could have been a manageable task for the young defender.

The decision to not start Branthwaite could be overlooked, considering it was his first time with the squad. However, the choice Southgate made in the 67th minute to bring on Lewis Dunk, a 32-year-old defender, over Branthwaite, is harder to justify. This move has sparked criticism, as it seemed to bypass a golden opportunity to invest in the future of England’s defense by giving valuable minutes to a younger player with the potential to become a cornerstone for the national team.

The preference for Dunk over Branthwaite raises concerns about Southgate’s selection criteria and whether it might lead to Branthwaite’s talents being underutilized by the national team. While the desire to keep Branthwaite injury-free and return him safely to Everton is understandable, he deserves the chance to earn his first cap for England. His omission, especially in favor of a player unlikely to have a long-term future with the national team, suggests a continuation of questionable selection decisions that have previously been a point of contention within the England setup.

As Everton and its fans await Branthwaite’s potential debut on the international stage, the hope remains that he will be given the opportunity to showcase his abilities against Belgium. This would not only affirm his status as one of the Premier League’s standout defenders but also ensure he returns to Goodison Park having achieved a significant milestone in his career.