Everton and Sean Dyche have worked wonders in the development of Jarrad Branthwaite this season.
The titanic 21-year-old, who had always seemed destined for first-team action, had finally been given his chance after a glittering loan spell with PSV Eindhoven.
And now featuring for a relegation-threatened Toffees side and still excelling, he has even caught the eye of Gareth Southgate.
His meteoric rise is certainly owed to his current club, but also the immense qualities he boasts, both physical and technical.
Branthwaite is sure to be a world-class asset in the near future, and has more than earned his England call-up.
What Gareth Southgate did last night in England vs Brazil
However, despite opting to start Anthony Gordon, Branthwaite was instead resigned to a place on the bench for last night’s clash with Brazil at Wembley.
Although it marked a tough task for any young player to make their debut, it is worth noting that this is a Brazil side far from the fearsome outfit they have been in years gone by.
If anything, it marked the perfect chance for Southgate to hand Everton’s star man his first start, given he would only have had to deal with the diminutive Rodrygo as the central striker, a winger by nature.
It was his first game with the squad though, so his decision can be excused. What can’t be forgiven is the subsequent action he made in the 67th minute, opting for a triple change to try and take the game to the visitors.
Joe Gomez and Jarrod Bowen both came on. No problems there. Where my problem lies is with the third, as Harry Maguire was hooked for Lewis Dunk.
What is the point in handing a 32-year-old back-up with no future in the England setup the final 25 minutes of the game, rather than a player ten years his junior and with a very real chance of one day becoming the key defensive pillar of his national side?
Jarrad Branthwaite will be wasted by England
Although I am not desperate for him to feature heavily, given I would rather he avoid injury and come back to Goodison Park safe and sound, he deserves his cap and it would be gutting were he to leave the camp having not got it.
Especially at the hands of Dunk, no matter how impressive he has been for Brighton and Hove Albion this season.
From a logistical point of view, it simply makes no sense, and potentially points to a worrying future where Southgate will once again overlook the outstanding option in order to keep his favourites in the side.
Kalvin Phillips has only recently seen his spot snagged after years of somehow stealing a starting place, and questions over Maguire still linger.
It seems that, despite being one of the outstanding centre-backs not just in the country but the entire Premier League, is not enough even for a brief cameo against Brazil.
Let’s just hope that Branthwaite can get the appearance he so richly deserves against Belgium, and allow him to come home safe.