Jarrad Branthwaite has credited a “complex” rehabilitation programme in Germany, which analysed links between his injuries and his brain and movement, with his return to the England squad.
The Everton defender’s fine start to the season has been rewarded with a place in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the Nations League fixtures against Spain, Czechia and Croatia. If selected, it will be Branthwaite’s second appearance for the England senior side having been blighted by hamstring and groin problems in recent years.
The centre-half has been ever-present in the Premier League after being restricted to 10 appearances last season by repeated hamstring issues. In the search for a solution to his injury problems, Everton sent the 24-year-old to the MYOS sports and health clinic in Munich at the start of the summer. Branthwaite believes that was a turning point.
“I sat down with the club after the three or four times where I was picking up the injuries,” he said. “It was to look at the wider picture, look at the holistic approach of the body essentially. I went over there for three or four weeks working with a team alongside the club, just to assess different things, and hopefully that has helped. There were a lot of different things looked at like movement patterns, the brain; it was quite complex, but fingers crossed it has worked.”
Branthwaite was carried off in tears after sustaining another hamstring injury in the Merseyside derby defeat by Liverpool in April. The setback ended his season and his prospects of making a late play for the World Cup squad, and Everton’s form also plummeted in his absence.
“It is probably the worst thing as a footballer not to be on the pitch and I think when it keeps happening it is mentally tough because you are sort of doubting your body and going on the pitch wary of what is going to happen. I think now I am in a position where I got managed throughout the pre-season, managed my load well and hopefully I can stay on the pitch this season.”
Branthwaite made his England debut as a substitute in a win against Bosnia and Herzegovina in June 2024, and a recall was a target this season alongside a return to full fitness.
“I found out when I was having breakfast – it was a good start to the day,” the Everton defender said of his call-up last week. “It is a proud moment. Over the last season or so it has been a target of mine. When I have been out and not on the pitch, I wanted to get back playing and give myself the best possible chance to be in and around the England squad after missing such a lot of time.
“The season has started well individually and as a team. England’s got unbelievable talent and players all over the pitch. I believe I am good enough to be in the England squad so hopefully I can show that.”
