Everton: Jarrad Branthwaite has every right to be angry with Gareth Southgate after double England development

Jarrad Branthwaite has really impressed for Everton this season, with the young defender undoubtedly one of the top players at the club in recent months.

After missing out on minutes at the beginning of the campaign, Branthwaite is now a regular at the back alongside James Tarkowski.

He will now aim to continue his fine Toffees displays onto the international stage, having been called up to the latest England Under-21 squad.

It could, however, have been even better for the 21-year-old this month had he been called up to Gareth Southgate’s senior squad.

Perhaps a Three Lions debut isn’t too far away, but Branthwaite may just feel aggrieved at Southgate’s decision to overlook him given the developments in the senior squad.

Firstly, Brighton centre-back Lewis Dunk withdrew from the squad due to injury, with Aston Villa man Ezri Konsa brought in to replace him [Sky Sports, 13 November].

Branthwaite can’t have too many complaints over the decision to hand Konsa a first senior call-up following his displays under Unai Emery.

However, the Toffees talent may be disappointed not to have found his name on the roster when Chelsea’s Levi Colwill withdrew due to injury, with Southgate opting not to add to his list [BBC Sport, 14 November].

England take on Malta and North Macedonia in Euro 2024 qualifying action on Friday (17 November) and Monday (20 November) respectively.

In other Everton news, a journalist has shared a Toffees 12-point deduction verdict amid a “historically bad” Premier League campaign.