Branthwaite Eyes Bigger England Role Against Czechia After Croatia Rout
England will host Czechia at Wembley on Tuesday, with Jarrad Branthwaite pushing for a bigger role after remaining unused in the 7-0 win over Croatia.
What we know
- Everton centre-back Branthwaite, 24, made only a two-minute appearance in England’s 3-2 UEFA Nations League defeat to Spain at Wembley.
- He did not feature in the subsequent 2-0 victory over Czechia in Prague or the emphatic win against Croatia in Rijeka.
- Thomas Tuchel has been urged to address uncertainty in his defence, after England’s errors helped Spain recover to win their Nations League opener.
- Harry Maguire was left out of Tuchel’s selection and was also omitted during England’s World Cup campaign in North America, where the Three Lions reached the semi-finals before beating France in the third-place match — their best World Cup finish since 1966.
- Marc Guehi has been England’s most experienced starting defender in recent line-ups, but concerns remain over the unit’s leadership, composure and left-sided balance.
- James Trafford has started England’s first two recent matches in goal, adding another new element to a back line still searching for consistency.
Branthwaite in contention for Wembley chance
Branthwaite offers Tuchel a natural left-footed option at centre-back, but has yet to establish himself under the England boss. The German has tested different combinations, with players at times deployed outside their preferred positions.
Former England B international Stubbs believes the defence is currently the weakest area of the squad. He said the side looked inexperienced and fragile, with Tuchel needing to find a more convincing blend of balance and authority.
Stubbs also said he was surprised Branthwaite was not applying greater pressure for a place, while acknowledging that Tuchel’s judgement will be shaped by the defender’s work in training. He added that the Everton player had impressed before his most recent club outing and should be close to earning a fuller international opportunity.
England were not seriously stretched in Prague, where Czechia played with 10 men, or against an out-of-form Croatia. Tuesday’s Wembley meeting gives Tuchel another chance to assess his options before November’s international break, which includes a demanding trip to Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium.
