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Ian Wright says Gareth Southgate should have given £75m Arsenal target his England debut

Ian Wright cannot believe Gareth Southgate did not give one Arsenal target his England debut against either Brazil or Belgium.

England fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Brazil before recording a 2-2 draw against Belgium, with new faces such as Ez🔯ri Konsa, Jarrod Bowen, Lewis Dunk, Ivan Toney and Kobbie Mainoo getting a proper chance on the international scene.

However, Ian Wright feels there was one player who Gareth Southgate really should have given some minutes to – a man Arsenal reportedly want to sign…

Ian Wright baffled by Gareth Southgate treatment of Jarrad Branthwaite

Well, the Arsenal legend is baffled by the fact Jarrad Branthwaite did not get a chance to make his debut for England during the inꩲternational break.

The Everton No.32 received a call up as a result of his s🐽tunning performances under Sean Dyche so far this season – the believe Arsenal have been in touch with the Toffees to ask wha🃏t it would take to sign the central defender.

Despite that🍎, it was Konsa and Dunk who received opportunities, although Wright feels Branthwaite deserved a shot too.

The 60-year-ꦗold wrote: “How did Jarrad Branthwaite get zero minutes across the two friendlies. Doesn’t make sense. Perfect opportunity to have a look at him.”

We strongly agree.

Arsenal could actually benefit

Branthwaite has m💙ade appearances across all competitions for Everton so far this season – scoring two goals – and is now being regarded as one of the most precocious defensive talents on the planet.

Even Real Madrid are monitoring his performances – with Everton now valuing the man from Carlisle at £75m.

Surely – in that ▨respect – it would have been worth giving him some playing time in meaningless friendlies against Brazil and Belgium?

Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images

Southgate now has no other chance to use Branthwaite ahead of UEFA EURO 2024 this summer, so the 21-year-old is🦄 highly unlikely to get an opportunity at the tournament, barring an inj𒊎ury crisis in defence.

Nevertheless, this disappointing development could actually work in Arsenal’s♔ favour.

Had Branthwaite impressed🦩 for England during this international break, Everton may have added a few more million pounds onto his already significant price tag, while more clubs could🔯 have also joined the race for his signature.

Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Arsenal continue tไo monitor the centre-back.