Branthwaite hails Sean Dyche for confidence boost ahead of potential England debut

Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite has credited manager Sean Dyche for his unwavering belief ahead of a potential England debut this weekend.

The 21-year-old received his maiden call-up to Gareth Southgate’s squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.

Branthwaite previously labelled the call-up as a “dream come true” and is likely to receive a chance to leave a lasting impression when the Three Lions take on Brazil this weekend.

The highly sought-after talent believes Toffees manager Dyche has played a key role in his rapid progression since returning to Goodison Park last summer.

“If you said to me at the start of the season I’d come back and play this many games I probably wouldn’t have believed you,” Branthwaite said (via evertonfc.com). 

“If you said at the start of the season I’d be in the England squad I wouldn’t have believed you. It shows the progression I’ve made over the last season.

“For any young player to play in the Premier League, you’ve got to be patient. The standard’s so high. Some managers won’t necessarily want to put a young player into that situation. 

“It’s just whenever I got an opportunity, I thought I had to take it. He (Dyche) is good. He’s believed in me since the start of the season.”

Branthwaite’s call-up comes after a remarkable debut Premier League campaign where he has established himself at the heart of the Toffees backline.

The youngster is a crucial part of an Everton defence that is one of the most organised in the division, with only Arsenal (24), Liverpool (26) and Manchester City (28) conceding fewer league goals than the Toffees (39).

Branthwaite, who was part of the Everton training camp in Portugal, has made 25 Premier League appearances this season, returning two goals and helping the Toffees keep seven clean sheets.

His impressive form has already drawn concrete interest from Manchester United, but he would be vital to Everton’s relegation fight heading into the crucial part of the season.