Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite's chances of England call-up revealed

Jarrad Branthwaite will be on Thomas Tuchel's mind ahead of this week's England squad announcement after a superb start to the season with Everton.

That is according to former senior Everton scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

The 24-year-old made just 10 appearances across all competitions last season after a torrid string of hamstring injuries, but looks back to his best this season.

Branthwaite has only ever made one appearance for England, in a friendly in 2024, but will surely be up for consideration this week.

The Toffees have drawn their last three games but are unbeaten so far in the Premier League, conceding just three goals and keeping two clean sheets.

With David Moyes having already lost defensive depth after the exits of Nathan Patterson and Seamus Coleman, he will hope that Branthwaite has now shaken off his injury troubles.

Jarrad Branthwaite was 'a breath of fresh air'

Branthwaite joined Everton from Carlisle United in 2020, the 17-year-old joining in a deal reportedly worth £750,000.

Loans with Blackburn Rovers and PSV would follow, before the defender returned in 2023 and almost instantly became a main-stay in the team.

The end of the season saw Everton reject a £50million bid for Branthwaite from Manchester United, but his commitment to Everton was made clear when he signed a new contract.

"I think we know what he's capable of. He's proved that. The only way he's going to rediscover that form is to stay injury free and play games," King told Football Insider.

"The more games he plays, the better he's going to be, because he's had a tough 13, 14 months with these injuries he picked up. But at the moment, he looks as though his opening form in the first five matches, you're talking England here.

"That squad's going to be named shortly, and after seeing the kind of squads that Tuchel picks, I think he could even come into the reckoning.

"I think the only way he can regain his form is by playing games, and then I think we'll get back to that level where he came in. He was a breath of fresh air when he came in. Young player, local boy.

"You know, it was exciting to see him, and then he had this horrendous run of injuries. But he certainly looks as though he's enjoying his football, and I'm pleased for him. I'm really pleased."

Does Branthwaite have a chance of making the England squad?

At his height, Branthwaite was not only one of England's best defenders, but one of the Premier League's most exciting defensive prospects.

Should he be getting back towards his best, Tuchel would be made not to utilise him - although it remains to be seen whether Everton would want the risk taken.

The upcoming camp will be for games against World Cup champions, Spain, as well as Czechia, Croatia and Czechia again in the Nations League.

It can be expected that four of five centre-backs will be selected, with Arsenal's Ezri Konsa and Manchester City's Marc Guehi likely the only sure-fire options for Tuchel.

The other spots will be up for grabs, and Branthwaite will certainly be among those considered.