Jarrad Branthwaite was made the England captain for their U21 clash with Northern Ireland at Goodison Park on Tuesday night. He led the national team out for what was only his 5th cap at this level, with the Yong Lions producing a comfortable 3-0 win.
After just five minutes, captain Branthwaite nearly opened the scoring. Finding himself in the opposition penalty area from a well-worked England set piece, the young defender couldn’t quite direct his first-time effort on goal.
Branthwaite impressed with a classy and assured performance at the back to nullify any threats from the opposition in this Euro U21s Championship qualifier, with his defence not conceding a goal.
“I think it helps when you’re a young player surrounded by experienced pros who have played 200+ games,” Branthwaite is quoted saying in the England programme before the game.
“For any young player – no matter what position you play – having that experience around you gives you confidence to express yourself and show what you can do.
“The manager has shown his belief in me to put me in the team and hopefully, I’m repaying him by putting in strong performances for the club.”