Gary Lineker reacts after Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite is called into England squad

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Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has received his first call-up to the England team.

The Three Lions announced their team selection at 2pm on Thursday, and the Toffees star made the cut.

Branthwaite‘s call-up is deserved in wake of his brilliant form – not to mention his progress – for Everton.

The 21-year-old has made 25 Premier League starts this season, becoming a key part of Sean Dyche’s solid Everton backline.

As per the Everton website, Arsenal (24), Liverpool (26) and Manchester City (28) have conceded fewer league goals this campaign than the Toffees (39).

Everton cult hero and BBC Sport pundit Gary Lineker is pleased to see Branthwaite called up to the England squad.

He took to X to say it’s “richly deserved”, along with two applause emojis.

As per the Everton website, Branthwaite ranks 12th in the Premier League for aerial duels won (64).

Meanwhile, his one-on-one defensive duel percentage (82.9) ranks third in the league, higher than any player who has attempted more than 20 tackles.

In addition, only six Premier League players have recorded more interceptions than Branthwaite (41).

Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite buzzing over ‘dream come true’

In wake of the news, Branthwaite told the Everton media team: “It’s a dream come true.

“To represent your national team at any level is a massive achievement, but for it to be the senior squad, I’m over the moon.

“I found out in training. The gaffer pulled me and told me I’ve been selected, so I was buzzing when I heard the news.

“You can only affect what you do on the pitch and give yourself the best possible opportunity to be selected, and that’s by putting in good performances on the pitch.

“That’s what your only focus can be, really, and that’s been from when I came into the team to now – it’s just to keep delivering that high level and see where that takes me.”

England will contest two friendlies in the March international break, against Brazil (Saturday 23 March) and against Belgium (Tuesday 26 March).

The Three Lions will be in action at Euro 2024 this summer, where they’ll hope to go one better than they did at Euro 2020, when they reached the final.