Jarrad Branthwaite has reacted to his first senior England call-up, proudly labelling it “a dream come true”.

On Thursday afternoon, the latest Three Lions squad was announced, and Everton’s Branthwaite was named among Gareth Southgate’s chosen defenders for upcoming friendlies against Brazil (Saturday 23 March) and Belgium (Tuesday 26 March) along with Blues teammate Jordan Pickford.

The 21-year-old’s well-earned inclusion comes after the young centre-back’s strong season so far, when - during his 25 Premier League starts - he has become a key part of an organised Everton backline under Sean Dyche.

Only Arsenal (24), Liverpool (26) and Manchester City (28) have conceded fewer league goals this campaign than the Toffees (39), and Branthwaite says he’s “over the moon” to have been recognised by his national side.

“It’s a dream come true,” he told evertontv. “To represent your national team at any level is a massive achievement, but for it to be the senior squad, I’m over the moon.

“I found out in training. The gaffer pulled me and told me I’ve been selected, so I was buzzing when I heard the news.

“You can only affect what you do on the pitch and give yourself the best possible opportunity to be selected, and that’s by putting in good performances on the pitch. That’s what your only focus can be, really, and that’s been from when I came into the team to now - it’s just to keep delivering that high level and see where that takes me.

“I messaged my dad and he said he’s very proud of me. He said: ‘All of the family is proud', so it’s a lovely feeling. I just can’t wait to join up with the team.

“They’re obviously really tough fixtures, but I’m really happy to just be in the squad, take every moment in and see where it takes me.”

The Carlisle-born Branthwaite has proven to be a multi-faceted defender for the Blues so far this season, combining technical ability and composure, with an elite physicality - aided by his 6ft 5in frame.

He ranks 12^th in the Premier League for aerial duels won (64) and out of the 11 ahead of him, only five better his success percentage of 65.3 per cent, while his one-on-one defensive duel percentage (82.9) ranks third in the league - higher than any player who has attempted more than 20 tackles.

A strong ability to read the game, only six Premier League players have recorded more interceptions than Branthwaite (41).

Left-sided but comfortable with either foot, it’s been an impressive year of progression for the Toffees' talent, who earned his first England Under-21s call-up just 12 months ago, before helping the Young Lions triumph at the European Championships in the summer of 2023.

His learnings have been boosted by the experience surrounding him at Everton, says Branthwaite, who spoke about his development under Dyche and the chance to work with experienced professionals like Seamus Coleman, James Tarkowski, Ashley Young and his fellow England colleague Pickford.

“My aim at the start of the season was just to get into the team, and once I get into the team, to perform,” he explained. “But above all expectations this season, I’ve played regularly. I’ve stayed injury free - touch wood - and I’ve just got to keep that going.

“The staff and the players have helped me massively. They helped me to settle in when I came back, and I think that’s what’s helped me to deliver the performances.

“It’s massive. When you’re in a defence and you’re a young player, you need experienced players to help you learn the game, help you through games, and they’ve done that this season - especially with Jordan behind me. He’s helped me massively. It’s a privilege to play with those players and they’re helping me along the way.”