Everton are currently enjoying a much-needed break from club and Premier League action at the moment, with international football taking centre stage.
And whilst the England side is not of huge importance to large parts of Merseyside, when someone from the Toffees is playing there is a renewed interest.
Especially Jarrad Branthwaite, who has grown into Sean Dyche’s shining light since breaking into the first team, starring at the back and now catching Gareth Southgate’s eye.
However, it was not the 21-year-old who drew praise from Channel 4 pundit Gilberto Silva last night, but instead a mainstay of both Everton and England: Jordan Pickford.
What Gilberto Silva said about Jordan Pickford
Best known for his six-year spell with Arsenal despite stints with a few smaller clubs across Greece and his native Brazil, he was in a fine position to offer his expert verdict on a clash between England and the side in the famous yellow and blue.
It was just the second time that Brazil had faced European opposition in recent years, and so marked a big occasion for an outfit travelling to Wembley seeking to cause an upset.
And cause an upset they did, with the 17-year-old Endrick providing the difference with his finish, the only goal of the game.
It was a typically turgid display from the Three Lions, but there was one moment where Pickford was called into action and rose to the occasion spectacularly.
Silva then said, live on Channel 4 (23/03. 20:01): ’This [Raphinha’s chance] was a great opportunity and this was a great save from Pickford. They have created chances and trouble for the England team.’
Jarrad Branthwaite made to wait for senior England debut
Whilst the £30m shot-stopper once again held his own on the biggest stage, as he always does, it was unfortunately not to be for Branthwaite, who was forced to watch the full 90 from the bench.
Having earned his first-ever senior call-up earlier in the week, finally garnering the accolades many Evertonians had been outlining for months prior, there was hope that, alongside Robbie Mainoo and Anthony Gordon, he might be part of a youthful trio who all made their first appearance for England against Brazil.
However, in the end Branthwaite was the only one who remained unused, with Southgate clearly opting to leave the defence untouched.
With Amadou Onana’s Belgium coming up early next week, Everton fans will be hoping that the former Carlisle United man can be given that vote of confidence and prove why is more than deserving to be surrounded by these world-class stars on the biggest stage.