England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley says Jarrad Branthwaite will remain firmly in his thoughts heading into the new season.

The European Championship-winning head coach has described the Cumbrian as a player of "high quality".

Branthwaite was part of Carsley's squad that won the recent Euros, playing one game for England in the tournament.

And Carsley says he will continue to closely monitor the former Carlisle United man in the 2023/24 season.

"Jarrad is still at an age where he can go and have another full qualifying campaign at this level and potentially a European Championship tournament,” said young Lions head coach Carsley, speaking on Everton's website.

"We knew that coming in. He was coming in late to the party. But we knew of his high quality and how this could be a good experience for him.

"He’s been capped now at Under-21s level, meaning it will be easier for him to come back in."

Branthwaite's group stage outing in the 2-0 win over Germany was his Under-21s debut.

He had been included in the young Lions squad in March but injury cost him the chance of an earlier international outing.

The 20-year-old was able to celebrate England's success along with fellow Cumbrian James Trafford, whose penalty heroics sealed victory in the Euros final against Spain.

Of Branthwaite, Carsley added: "He played a big part against Germany and showed his quality.

"He had a strong year [on loan] at PSV [Eindhoven] and now for him, it is about taking that on this season with Everton in the Premier League.

"We will be tracking his progress.”

Everton say Branthwaite, after being given an extended break after the Euros, is due to return for pre-season this week.

The Wigton star has been the subject of transfer speculation this summer but Goodison Park boss Sean Dyche recently said he was looking forward to assessing Branthwaite in training.