“It just does not make sense at all” Ian Wright questions Gareth Southgate for England decision which ‘doesn’t make sense’ for what he has done to Everton…..

Ian Wright has expressed confusion over Gareth Southgate’s decision not to give Jarrad Branthwaite his England debut during the recent international break, despite the Everton defender being included in the squad for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium[9][12]. Wright, a former England striker and Arsenal legend, took to social media to question why Branthwaite did not see any playing time, especially considering the absence of left-footed defenders and injuries to key players like John Stones and Kyle Walker[19].

Branthwaite, who has been a standout defender for Everton since returning from a loan spell at PSV Eindhoven, was seen as a potential option for England due to his left-footedness and solid performance in the domestic league[9]. His inclusion in the squad was anticipated to provide him with an opportunity to showcase his abilities on the international stage ahead of the European Championships[9].

Despite the anticipation, Branthwaite remained on the bench for both matches, watching as England lost 1-0 to Brazil and drew 2-2 with Belgium[9]. This decision by Southgate left Wright and others puzzled, especially given Branthwaite’s impressive season with Everton, where he has established himself alongside James Tarkowski in the heart of the defense and even scored twice in 25 appearances[9].

Wright’s criticism highlights a broader discussion about Southgate’s selection choices and the opportunities given to younger players to prove themselves in the lead-up to major tournaments[9][12][19]. The decision not to play Branthwaite, despite the circumstances that seemed to favor his inclusion, has sparked debate among fans and pundits alike about the criteria and strategy behind England team selections[9][12][19].

Citations:
[1] https://theathletic.com/5356970/2024/03/20/england-branthwaite-everton-give-up-football/
[2] https://consent.yahoo.com/v2/collectConsent?sessionId=1_cc-session_b286343d-3455-406c-9e75-46b3995d5946
[3] https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1451840/Ian-Wright-embarrassed-England-Scotland-Gareth-Southgate-Euro-2020
[4] https://www.eurosport.com/football/kalvin-phillips-dropped-from-england-squad-everton-s-jarrad-branthwaite-and-anthony-gordon-earn-firs_sto10061160/story.shtml
[5] https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/wright-manutd-liverpool-kobbie-mainoo-32378256
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdHTYffENV4
[7] https://consent.yahoo.com/v2/collectConsent
[8] https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/england-scotland-euro-2020-ian-wright-b1868840.html
[9] https://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/england-gareth-southgate-ian-wright-32457649
[10] https://www.sportbible.com/football/england/jarrad-branthwaite-england-belgium-gareth-southgate-everton-854609-20240327
[11] https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/6495260/gareth-southgate-boss-england/
[12] https://www.football.co.uk/news/ian-wright-questions-gareth-southgate-for-england-decision-w/1031752/
[13] https://theathletic.com/live-blogs/england-brazil-live-updates-goals-score-result/Ml2Lzk5fS4Hb/1gvcLdxqzgbP/
[14] https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/news-let-play-ian-wright-sends-strong-message-england-manager-gareth-southgate-ahead-fifa-world-cup
[15] https://www.goodisonnews.com/2024/03/27/everton-ian-wright-questions-england-after-jarrad-branthwaite-development/
[16] https://metro.co.uk/2021/06/18/ian-wright-slams-gareth-southgate-for-englands-best-player-vs-scotland-14797466/
[17] https://www.sportbible.com/football/football-news/arsenal/ian-wright-england-gareth-southgate-jarrad-branthwaite-259827-20240301
[18] https://onefootball.com/en/news/former-striker-makes-doesnt-make-sense-admission-on-everton-mans-national-team-fate-39266525
[19] https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/doesnt-make-sense-ian-wright-28897714