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Fans react to England call-ups for Jarrad Branthwaite and Anthony Gordon

Written by Will Murray
Last Update: March 14, 2024
Published on

Jarrad Branthwaite and Anthony Gordon have been given their first England senior call-ups for the upcoming friendly matches against Brazil and Belgium.

The 21-year-old defender has been an impressive performer for Everton this season, while Gordon has scored 10 times and registered seven assists for Newcastle in all competitions.

Let’s take a look at the fan reaction to their selection.

England select Branthwaite – Fan reaction

Fans were pleased to see Branthwaite selected in the squad, as the young centre-back has been a standout player in a struggling Everton team this campaign. On X.com (formerly Twitter), @VinnOConnor said: “Thoroughly deserved call up for Jarrad Branthwaite……he’s been outstanding all season.”

@pubitysport pointed out Branthwaite’s excellent defensive statistics this season, vindicating his selection.

Everton fans were equally delighted with the Carlisle-born defenders’ inclusion. @efcstatto said: “Jarrad Branthwaite in the England team, what a boy.”

In his press conference following the announcement of the squad, Gareth Southgate said: He’s [Branthwaite] good with the ball, shows good composure, good mentality. He’s a left-footer and we don’t have many left-footed defenders.

“He’s in on merit and we’re keen to find out more about him.”

Gordon rewarded for ‘consistently good performances’

Newcastle United were also ecstatic with the inclusion of one of their talented young players. @thomashammond__ said: “There’s an odd sense of pride you get when you see one of your club’s players get called up for their respective nation, and I get that with Anthony Gordon.

@Magpie24_7 said: “From being hounded out by Evertonians from his boyhood club and being ambushed in the streets on leaving Goodison Park to an England call-up via the Champions League – what a rise it’s been for Anthony Gordon!

“The work rate, the resilience and the performances have warranted this moment, and for once I can’t wait to watch England and now hopefully Gordon in action. #NUFC.”

The former Everton winger has excelled for the England youth teams. Most recently, Gordon was Player of the Tournament at the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, which the Three Lions eventually won.

Asked about the reasons for picking Gordon, Southgate said: “”Consistently good performances. He was very close in November and he's continued his form.”

Southgate added, “He is scoring, his work for the team is excellent and he competes, so I really like his attitude.”

Brazil and Belgium await

This is England’s last camp before they begin their UEFA Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia on June 16 in Gelsenkirchen. The Three Lions will play both games in this camp at Wembley Stadium, with Brazil on March 23 and Belgium on March 26.

Avatar of Will Murray

Will Murray

Freelance football journalist. Experience writing for When Saturday, Comes, Goalkeeper.com, Elite Scholars and Total Football Analysis. Recently finished an MA in Sport Journalism at the University of Brighton. Long-time season ticket holder at the two-time European Champions Nottingham Forest.

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