'I messaged my dad' - Jarrad Branthwaite reacts to England call-up as Everton role revealed
Jarrad Branthwaite has lifted the lid on how he found out from Sean Dyche he’d been picked for the England squad for the first time.
Branthwaite joins Blues club colleague Jordan Pickford – who can reach 60 caps in the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium – in being selected by Gareth Southgate. Speaking from Everton’s training camp in Portugal, the 21-year-old told evertontv: “It’s a dream come true. To represent your national team at any level is a massive achievement, but for it to be the senior squad, I’m over the moon.
“I found out in training. The gaffer pulled me and told me I’ve been selected, so I was buzzing when I heard the news.
“You can only affect what you do on the pitch and give yourself the best possible opportunity to be selected, and that’s by putting in good performances on the pitch. That’s what your only focus can be, really, and that’s been from when I came into the team to now – it’s just to keep delivering that high level and see where that takes me.
“I messaged my dad and he said he’s very proud of me. He said: ‘All of the family is proud', so it’s a lovely feeling. I just can’t wait to join up with the team.
“They’re obviously really tough fixtures, but I’m really happy to just be in the squad, take every moment in and see where it takes me.”
Jarrad Branthwaite England call-up can only benefit Everton - whatever happens next
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