Jarrad Branthwaite has received his maiden senior England call-up, named in the squad for the Three Lions’ upcoming friendly fixtures against Brazil and Belgium.

The 21-year-old - part of the England Under-21s squad that won the European Championships last summer - has been selected for Gareth Southgate’s squad alongside Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. 

The announcement was made on Thursday at 2pm, with the duo set to meet with the rest of the group next week ahead of the two fixtures later this month. 

The call-up comes as recognition for Branthwaite’s excellent form for the Toffees this season. He’s been an assured and dominant presence within the heart of Sean Dyche’s defence, with only James Tarkowski and James Garner having played more outfield minutes than the Carlisle-born defender for Everton this season. 

Pickford, meanwhile, is in line to add to his 58 senior England caps.  

The Three Lions will first welcome Brazil to Wembley on Saturday 23 March (7pm GMT) before taking on Belgium again in the capital three days later on Tuesday 26 March (7.45pm GMT). 

The two games represent England’s final two friendly fixtures before Gareth Southgate names his provisional squad for this summer’s EURO 2024 tournament starting in June.