Cumbrian Jarrad Branthwaite has earned his first call-up to the senior England squad.
He and former Everton team-mate Anthony Gordon – now with Newcastle – have been selected for the first time ahead of the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium later this month.
The 21-year-old Branthwaite, from Wigton, has been in eye-catching form for Everton this season and that’s been reflected in reported interest from football giants Real Madrid, as well as Man Utd.
Uncapped Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, 26, has also been named in the 25-man squad.
England play Brazil on March 23 and Belgium on March 26 – both at Wembley – and then manager Gareth Southgate will be naming his squad for Euro 2024.
Branthwaite has scored two goals in 25 Premier League games for Everton and been in top form despite his side’s travails in the Premier League.
Southgate said: “We watched him as a back-up centre-half for the under-21s. If you said a year ago he would consistently play in the Premier League, I would have been surprised.
“Credit to Everton manager Sean Dyche. He’s in on merit. We’re looking forward to having a look at him.”
He joined the Carlisle United youth system in 2013 and made the first team breakthrough in the 2019-20 season. Although only starting nine times for the senior side in League Two he joined Everton in January 2020 on a three-and-a-half year contract.
His father Paul was a prominent rugby union player in the county and turned professional with Workington Town rugby league club after having trials with Wigan when he was younger.
Branthwaite senior only played ten first team games for Town and kicked 19 goals.
