Jarrad Branthwaite backed to leapfrog England pair with help from Everton man

Former England international Alan Smith has backed Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite to leapfrog Jarell Quansah and Trevoh Chalobah in manager Thomas Tuchel's national squad plans. Smith suggested that continuing his strong domestic partnership with James Tarkowski under Everton manager David Moyes will elevate Branthwaite into a primary reserve role for England behind established starters Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi.

Branthwaite recently earned his second and third international caps as a substitute in matches against Spain and Czechia. Domestically, the 24-year-old center-back has helped Everton keep Premier League clean sheets against Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur, and Ipswich Town so far this season.