Fans notice what Jarrad Branthwaite posted on social media after not playing a minute in either England game

Everton fans quickly spotted what Jarrad Branthwaite posted online after failing to receive his first cap for England during the international break.

The Everton defender was expected to play some part for the Three Lions after his maiden call-up to the senior squad, amid a defensive injury crisis that saw Kyle Walker and Harry Maguire both return home.

It was, therefore, makeshift back four for England against Belgium on Tuesday evening, with Ezri Konsa slotting in at right-back for his Three Lions debut.

Lewis Dunk and John Stones were Southgate's preferred options at centre-back, despite many fans calling for the two-footed Branthwaite to start alongside Stones.

The Everton star may have hoped to get his chance when Stones limped off with an injury early in the first half, but Southgate called upon Joe Gomez to replace him from the substitutes' bench.

And another unused substitute appearance for Branthwaite ultimately meant he failed to play a single minute for England during the international break, having also been left on the bench for the 1-0 defeat against Brazil on Saturday.

And taking to Instagram after the match, the Carlisle academy product made it clear where his focus has immediately switched to following his England duties.

You can see what Branthwaite posted below.

The 22-year-old will now hope to keep Everton in the Premier League as they fight a battle against relegation.

That battle has been complicated somewhat by the club's 10-point deduction, reduced to six on appeal, for breaching the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules.

They are currently being investigated over a separate breach of the rules over the same time period, with that case being heard this week.

Nottingham Forest received a four-point deduction for a breach of the rules earlier this month, although it is yet unclear as to whether the Toffees will be punished.

Sean Dyche's side are currently four points clear of Forest, who now sit in the bottom three places of the Premier League following their deduction, with a game in hand.

But they have failed to win a league game in 2024, after a run of five wins in six games towards the end of 2023 had propelled them up the division.

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Everton, England, Belgium, Gareth Southgate, Football, Premier League

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.