Gareth Southgate says he's looking forward to working with Jarrad Branthwaite again as part of an exciting wave of young England talent.

Wigton star Branthwaite is in the preliminary Three Lions squad for the Euro 2024 tournament.

It follows his recent senior call-up for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, where Branthwaite was an unused substitute during his first experience of the full England set-up.

Everton's ex-Carlisle United man, 21, is one of a number of emerging young players who are now on the Three Lions scene.

Southgate says players such as Curtis Jones, Adam Wharton, Jarell Quansah and Branthwaite deserve their chance to develop with the national squad.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Southgate said: "I've told these young boys we're only taking 26 [to the tournament], but some of these boys might be ready now.

"It might be that this is brilliant experience for them for the future.

"I can't give any guarantees yet because we don't quite know all the other injury situations and how many we might need in each position.

"We'll be piecing that together in the next week."

Southgate said Liverpool defender Quansah had had a "super season" and added: "He's had an amazing transition this season from a loan spell further down the leagues last year.

"He has some great attributes as a centre-back.

"We're looking forward to seeing him - and building on what we saw last time with Jarrad Branthwaite as well."

Branthwaite is one of three Cumbrians in the training squad which is beginning preparations for two friendlies next week.

Goalkeepers Dean Henderson and James Trafford are also in the England ranks.

Branthwaite has odds of 1/10 to be in the final 26-man squad for the Euros in Germany, with Henderson 1/5 and Trafford 9/4.

The Three Lions face Bosnia & Herzegovina next Monday before facing Iceland next Friday. Southgate names his final squad on Saturday, June 8.