Branthwaite On U21 Outing & Aim To ‘Come Back Stronger’

Jarrad Branthwaite has reflected positively on his return to competitive action, explaining how 90 minutes with Everton Under-21s was ‘what he needed’ after a lengthy absence through injury.

The 22-year-old defender featured throughout a 4-3 victory for the young Blues on Sunday afternoon. They overcame Sunderland Under-21s in an entertaining Premier League 2 encounter at The Big Help Stadium in Southport.

Branthwaite, recovering from a groin injury since the summer, has yet to feature during 2024/25, following a breakout campaign last season. Nathan Patterson – also recovering from injury – featured for 60 minutes for Paul Tait’s young side at the weekend.

An end-to-end game saw the teams tied at 3-3 as they entered the final moments, before full-back Jack Butler popped up with two minutes of the 90 remaining, netting a dramatic winner to reward a resilient performance.

Branthwaite, speaking to evertontv after the game, said: “I feel good. It’s good to get out there and get minutes under my belt.

“I’m thankful to be able to come down and play with the '21s, and obviously, get a win as well which is always nice on your return.

“It was a good game – entertaining. [It was] end-to-end, which is what I needed for my match fitness to get up to speed.

“That’s what today is for – to get out there, get my minutes, get my match fitness. There are still high-quality players out on the pitch, so it’s just about getting minutes and then taking it day by day.”

Branthwaite enjoyed a standout season during 2023/24, earning a first cap for England and recording 35 Premier League starts for an Everton defence which registered the fourth-best defensive record across the division.

Only Arsenal (29), Manchester City (34) and Liverpool (41) conceded fewer goals than the Toffees, who also totalled 13 clean sheets – the joint-second most in the Premier League.

Eager to be involved again, Branthwaite said the time spent on the sidelines has been difficult, but revealed he’s been taking his time to find full fitness and believes he can be an impactful addition when he returns to Sean Dyche’s Men’s Senior squad.

“I’ve I had to take my time and it’s obviously been frustrating. I would’ve loved to have been out there with the lads, but I just haven’t been able to do that, so I’ve been taking the time to come back stronger, so that when I do come back, I can make an impact.

“You’ve got to have full belief in your own ability, and I think after being out for such a long time – 14 or 15 weeks – it’s obviously going to be difficult getting back up to speed, but you’ve got to believe in yourself, and I do.

“I believe that when I get the chance to get back in the team, I’ll make an impact and help the team out.”