Ian Wright has urged Gareth Southgate to pick Jarrad Branthwaite for England.
Cumbrian defender Branthwaite is starring in the Premier League with Everton.
And Arsenal legend Wright believes the former Carlisle United star, who he described as a “monster”, deserves his chance ahead of this summer’s European Championships.
“I believe now he will be in the next England squad. He’s got everything,” said Wright.
“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.
“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.”
Wright, speaking on the Wrighty’s House podcast, was speaking after Branthwaite scored his second goal of the Premier League season for Everton against Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Wigton star has captained England’s Under-21s this season but has been tipped in many quarters for a senior call-up.
“We’ve got a monster on our hands in terms of a left-sided central defender,” added Wright.
“If it [an England call-up] doesn’t happen, people should be saying something about that.”
Branthwaite is now an established regular in Everton’s top-flight defence after a successful loan spell at PSV Eindhoven last season.
His displays have seen him continually linked with a big-money move away from Goodison Park – something that could have significant benefits to Carlisle through a sell-on clause.
Branthwaite came through United’s academy before being sold to Everton in January 2020.
He is currently priced 11/4 with BetVictor to be named in England’s squad for Euro 2024 in Germany.
The Three Lions are back in action on March 23 with a friendly against Brazil. Branthwaite and Everton will be in Premier League action against West Ham United on Saturday.
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