Jarrad Branthwaite Earns England Recall After Injury Nightmare

Jarrad Branthwaite has earned a recall to the England squad for this month's Nations League fixtures against Spain, Czechia and Croatia, more than two years after his only previous cap and having missed both Euro 2024 and this summer's World Cup through injury.

The 24-year-old Everton defender credited a rehabilitation programme at a specialist clinic in Munich, which examined the links between his repeated hamstring and groin problems and his movement patterns, with turning his fortunes around. Branthwaite was restricted to just 10 Premier League appearances last season and was carried off in tears after suffering another hamstring injury in April's Merseyside derby.

He has been ever-present for Everton so far this season, helping them keep three clean sheets in five games and concede the joint-fewest goals in the Premier League. Thomas Tuchel has named him alongside Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah and Trevoh Chalobah in his group of centre-backs for the camp.