Everton have seldom seen many of their stars regularly shine for England, with there always seemingly being another more preferred in their role.
Whether it be Dominic Calvert-Lewin having to battle captain Harry Kane up front, or Leighton Baines having to displace Ashley Cole at left-back, the Toffees have never had much luck.
However, Jordan Pickford has bucked that trend of late, becoming a true mainstay under Gareth Southgate.
That is expected to remain the case this summer at the Euro’s, but he could be joined by a friendly face in Jarrad Branthwaite, who will learn his fate later today.
Jarrad Branthwaite learns England call-up decision
At 2 pm, the England manager is expected to announce his provisional 33-man shortlist ahead of this summer’s tournament.
And whilst it will not be final, it offers a keen indication of what his thinking is as they approach a crucial few weeks.
Branthwaite had been included in the last England camp, as they faced Brazil and Belgium, but inexplicably was handed no minutes.
However, that seems not to have dented Southgate’s confidence in his quality, with journalist Sami Mokbel now revealing that he is expected to remain in the squad: ‘Jarrad Branthwaite set to be in.’
Nothing less than Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite deserves
Although there was much contention surrounding this Southgate decision, and in this particular position, it should have marked a no-brainer.
After all, not only should Branthwaite be guaranteed his spot on the plane to Germany, but he should arguably be starting.
Especially given England are not exactly blessed with a whole host of outstanding centre-backs to partner John Stones, who is widely regarded as the best the country has to offer.
As a right-footed ball-playing defender, placing him beside the physically imposing and dominant Branthwaite could offer the perfect blend at the back for England.
However, he would not solely be there for his solidity, having showcased his passing range at times, when Sean Dyche has allowed it.
As such, he has maintained a 7.07 average rating this campaign, buoyed by 1.9 tackles, 4.5 clearances and 5.2 ball recoveries per game. And yet, he pairs that with a solid 80% pass accuracy, made more impressive given the focus Everton place on direct play, via Sofascore.
Such sparkling form has led Conor Coady to praise Branthwaite, and warn him against a potential departure this summer.
Branthwaite’s inclusion should not even be up for debate, and hopefully now he has made it into the provisional squad, Southgate will see sense and keep him there when the European Championships roll around.
