Jarrad Branthwaite: Thomas Tuchel has embarrassed Everton star with Ayden Heaven call
Jarrad Branthwaite has rarely had a chance to prove himself at international level since emerging as a top talent at Everton.
The 23-year-old has just one England cap under his belt despite playing huge roles for the Toffees over the last three campaigns, under both Sean Dyche and David Moyes.
It has got to the point now that home supporters believe in an agenda against the centre-half, requiring a move away from the Hill Dickinson Stadium to be noticed by Thomas Tuchel.
Moyes is unlikely to hate the lack of a call-up for the Three Lions, especially with Everton taking on Brentford after the international break, but it could have disastrous effects on the player’s future.
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VISIT THE EVERTON MATCH HUBJarrad Branthwaite to miss out on England’s World Cup squad
Tuchel has left a lot of supporters baffled, having left the likes of Archie Gray and initially Harvey Barnes out of the England squad, while some would argue that James Tarkowski also deserved a call-up.
Branthwaite would quite easily slot into England’s defence, alongside the likes of Harry Maguire, Marc Guehi, John Stones, Ezri Konsa or Dan Burn, but he continues to be overlooked.
And to really rub salt into the wounds in this international break, the Daily Mail understands that Man United’s Ayden Heaven has impressed Tuchel enough to train with the first team.
| Premier League 2025-26 Stats | Jarrad Branthwaite at Everton | Ayden Heaven at Man United |
| Minutes played | 504 | 653 |
| Goals | Assists | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Successful passes | 82.9% | 90.7% |
| Duels won | 66% | 66.1% |
| Tackles per 90 mins | 1.43 | 2.21 |
| Clearances per 90 mins | 5 | 7.17 |
While there are no doubts over the 19-year-old’s abilities at Old Trafford, his game time has diminished a lot since the start of January, playing just 15 minutes in the last 11 games across all competitions.
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Although Heaven is set to stay with England’s Under-20s when it comes to playing games, it will still feel like a slap in the face for the player who has saved the Toffees on numerous occasions.
There was an entire transfer saga surrounding the defender after immense interest from the Red Devils, and rumours are likely to be triggered once again after being left at home in the international break.
Branthwaite, of course, has struggled with injuries this season, hence his lack of minutes in the Premier League, but he had started four consecutive league games before being benched against Chelsea.
Mick Brown told Football Insider that Liverpool could consider a move for Branthwaite, and it would be intriguing to see his decision should the Reds make a move for his signature.
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