Everton’s relationship with the England national team has been chequered, often seeing their star men snubbed in favour of alternatives playing for bigger clubs.

The bias towards these outfits has been longstanding, and one which Gareth Southgate promised to vanquish. However, he too has fallen into that same trap, rushing to his favourites against the wishes of the nation.

As such, there have been many stars overlooked, with few forcing the issue on Merseyside due to their struggles.

Evertonians have had much bigger problems than who is selected for their country, but with a recent upturn in form, things have changed.

Sean Dyche is owed plenty of credit for this turnaround, but so too is Jarrad Branthwaite, who has taken his first-team chance with both hands, quickly becoming one of the hottest young prospects in the Premier League.

Calls for his senior England call-up have been muted, but The Telegraph has now actually outlined why he is likely to be snubbed.

Written by journalist Chris Bascombe, he states: ‘Should such form continue as Everton ease up the table, the clamour will grow for Southgate to take a closer look.’

However, he then goes on to claim: ‘Logic suggests senior England recognition may have to wait, although there are hardly immovable barriers ahead of any emerging centre-backs.

‘As with Tarkowski – harshly overlooked by his country throughout his career – one disadvantage is that Southgate believes it is a challenge for defenders stepping up to play a high line for England when they are accustomed to playing deeper for their clubs.’

Does Jarrad Branthwaite deserve an England call-up?

Having impressed last term on loan with PSV Eindhoven, it always felt like the 21-year-old was set to star for Everton’s first team upon his return, with Dyche issuing a hands-off warning to emphasise this.

However, few could have expected his involvement would be so instant and revolutionary, with their recent spout of good form surely owed to his partnership with James Tarkowski.

The two complement one another perfectly, with Branthwaite a slightly more athletic partner for the rock-solid 30-year-old.

And yet, whilst he boasts that youthful desire to play good football, he has the maturity and intelligence to clear his lines when the moment dictates, as outlined in his defensive figures.

In the Premier League this season, the £35k-per-week colossus is managing a 79% pass accuracy, blended with an impressive 4.8 clearances and 7.6 ball recoveries per game, via Sofascore.

There is certainly a precedent for him to be called up to Southgate’s England squad, given how imperious he has been for an admittedly weak Everton side, but history dictates they are unlikely to celebrate such an event in the coming international break.

Fans, however, will likely be glad to see him protected for an extra wee