Ian Wright has called for Gareth Southgate to start an uncapped England star for Euro 2024.
Everton’s 21-year-old centre-back Jarrad Braithwaite has been among the best-performing defenders in the Premier League this season.
Having started 23 of the Toffees' 26 Premier League games, Braithwaite is one of only three players aged 21 or under to play over 2,000 minutes this campaign, and only one of two outfielders.
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The youngster’s performances are gaining serious attention, with former Crystal Palace and Arsenal star Wright having tipped him for an international call-up in the lead-up to Euro 2024.
He suggested Braithwaite should already be in the squad, labelling the Everton defender a “monster” who “has got everything.”
“I believe now he will be in the next England squad. He’s got everything,” he said on podcast Wrighty's House.
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“You watch how he plays – he’s left-sided as well, he plays out well, he’s very brave.
“He’s got all those attributes and when you listen to his interviews, [he sounds like he knows] ‘I’m there’.
“He doesn’t look out of place as an England player. He should be called up, and not only called up – he should be played.
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“Let’s have a look at him. We’re going into the Euros. Get him playing in those games, get him some confidence playing in those games with those players.
“We’ve got a monster on our hands in terms of a left-sided central defender.
“If it [an England call-up] doesn’t happen, people should be saying something about that.”
With Harry Maguire - a long-term favourite of England manager Gareth Southgate - having been in inconsistent form this term, and Marc Guehi having endured an injury, an opportunity may arise for the Branthwaite.
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Elsewhere, Manchester United have been linked with Branthwaite, with the player potentially a long-term solution at left-centre back.
Topics: England, Euro 2024, Everton, Gareth Southgate, Ian Wright, Premier League
Chris Byfield