Former Everton defender Phil Jagielka has noted what Jarrad Branthwaite could offer England that’s different this summer.
Gareth Southgate has had a few tough decisions to make for the Three Lions in recent weeks with the European Championships set to kick off this weekend.
England take on Serbia in their opening game but the defeat to Iceland in the friendly before the Euros has cast doubt on how the Three Lions will do in the tournament.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite was one of a number of names who was left out of England’s 26-man squad for the tournament, as was Harry Maguire with England’s defensive options looking rather light.
Jagielka on Branthwaite
As mentioned, Maguire and Branthwaite miss out on the squad with the Manchester United defender struggling with a calf injury, which meant the end of the season for the Englishman was blighted by injury.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former Everton and Sheffield United defender Phil Jagelka has explained what England will be missing with the absence of Branthwaite.
“Different passing lanes,” Jagielka explained. “He would have comfortably opened up onto his left foot and he could find Harry Kane between the lines, maybe Bellingham, even the left-winger, whoever we are going to play out there.”
The defender’s left footedness could well have suited the England team but the Three Lions look set to be without two of their best defenders this summer.
England’s options
Southgate may well decide to lineup with John Stones and one other centre-back this summer with Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi the most logical option.
England are in a winnable group with Denmark, Serbia and Slovenia their opponents for the group stage with Southgate’s side one of the favourites to win the tournament in Germany.
The defensive options are certainly lacklustre but Southgate has to believe his side are favourites to win the tournament.
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