Jamie Carragher backs Jarrad Branthwaite for Thomas Tuchel's England

The former Liverpool and England defender included the Cumbrian in his proposed best Three Lions XI ahead of the German head coach taking charge.

Everton's former Carlisle United star Branthwaite has one full cap so far but is tipped to win many more.

The 22-year-old has had an injury-hit start to the 2024/25 Premier League season but Carragher rates him highly.

Speaking on Sky Sports, he said Branthwaite was "excellent on the left foot as well - [that] gives you that balance, but [he] also gives you that size and pressure that England had in Harry Maguire.

"You think how important set pieces were in tournaments.”

Branthwaite's first senior England cap came against Bosnia & Herzegovina in June.

He was in Gareth Southgate's provisional squad for Euro 2024 before being cut from the final squad.

Branthwaite won his first England cap against Bosnia & Herzegovina in June (Image: PA)

The Wigton star has not featured under interim England boss Lee Carsley amid the injury issues that have limited his involvement for Everton this season.

He missed the start of the campaign after undergoing a minor groin operation.

Then, after making his comeback in Everton's 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on September 28, he returned to the sidelines.

A quad injury is the reason for his latest absence but Toffees manager Sean Dyche has said the Cumbrian is close to a return.

"Jarrad is close to being fit and possibly could have played, but I feel he needs another week’s training to make sure his body is right," said Dyche after Everton's 2-0 win at Ipswich Town on Saturday.

Branthwaite came through the ranks at Carlisle and broke into the Blues first team at 17 before Everton signed him in January 2020.

Tuchel is due to take charge of England in January. Carragher's XI also included Jordan Pickford, John Stones, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Levi Colwill, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane.