Jarrad Branthwaite England call-up can only benefit Everton - whatever happens next

Jarrad Branthwaite’s first senior international call up should have been one of the easiest decisions Gareth Southgate has had to make during his time as England boss.

The 21-year-old’s selection is the latest milestone in a remarkable rise that has seen him move from developmental prospect to one of the hottest properties in football in just over 12 months.

Few could have predicted such an incredible progression when his awkward challenge on Ivan Toney led to a red card that cost Everton dearly in the relegation battle under Frank Lampard.

But the accolades heading his way are richly deserved for a player who is now having a vital say in the club’s present, and will surely do so for its future too.

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Branthwaite was a squad player for England’s Under-21s when they won the European Championships in the summer. His minutes on the pitch were limited during the tournament but off it he still made an impression to boss Lee Carsley, with the England set-up put on alert for succession planning in the event Branthwaite found the chance to earn first team minutes.

After a hammering at Aston Villa he was given that opportunity by Sean Dyche early in the season and has not looked back, starting every game he has been available for since then. One of Branthwaite’s best performances in his pathway to becoming a first team regular unfolded with Southgate looking on. The England manager would have had a long list of talents on his radar when he was at Goodison in December for the visit of Chelsea. It was unlikely the towering centre back was one of them when he