Branthwaite gained 'motivation' after Euros omission

Jarrad Branthwaite has made 66 Premier League appearance for Everton since his debut in 2019-20

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite says he gained "motivation" after missing out on an England call-up for last summer's European Championship.

Branthwaite was a surprise omission from the Three Lions squad and had to watch from home as the national team reached the final of the tournament, where they were edged out by Spain.

On Friday, new manager Thomas Tuchel names his first England squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers after taking over from Gareth Southgate.

"I think every player does have an eye on it," Branthwaite told BBC Sport when asked if he is already looking ahead to next year's tournament.

"I missed out recently with a big squad and I don't want that feeling again. That gave me motivation to [make sure] every game I play is my best to help my club and then give myself the best possible chance to be in the England squad.

"Once it comes around, that is my main ambition - to be picked in that squad."

England face Latvia on 21 March and Albania three days later and sources have told BBC Sport over the past few weeks, Tuchel has spoken to more than 55 players individually on the phone.

Branthwaite confirmed he was one of those players, sharing a video call as well as exchanging messages with the German boss, adding: "It is nice to have that connection with the new manager and to know he is watching you play and lets you know how you have done."

Moyes added 'more attacking threat'

Everton have enjoyed a remarkable turnaround since David Moyes replaced Sean Dyche as manager in January, currently on a run of eight unbeaten games in the Premier League and losing just twice in all competitions.

The Toffees were just one point above the relegation zone after losing the Scot's opening game against Aston Villa, but a notable upturn in form has seen them move 16 points clear of the bottom three.

The side scored 15 goals in 19 league games under Dyche this season, but have since found their goalscoring prowess by netting 16 in nine under Moyes.

"When the old manager was here, we had the defensive structure and we still have that now - he brought that to us," said Branthwaite. "When the new manager came in, he has kept that pretty similar.

"He has maybe added a bit more attacking threat and knowledge, we have kept the ball better as a team. We have built up with a bit more control so it is not as end to end.

"If you watch the games now compared to last season, you can see the main differences. We are creating a lot more chances and it has given our strikers the opportunities to score goals and they have been doing that."

'It is about winning trophies'

Branthwaite won the Dutch Cup in 2023 with PSV

Branthwaite has featured in 66 Premier League games since being given his debut by Italian boss Carlo Ancelotti in the 2019-20 campaign.

He said his defensive idol growing up was Sergio Ramos at Real Madrid, while also describing his own effortless, elegant style of play as a "Rolls Royce" type centre-half, a term which has also been used for Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.

Branthwaite spent the 2022-23 season on-loan at PSV Eindhoven under Ruud van Nistelrooy, where he won the Dutch Cup.

His impressive performances has seen his stock grow, with Manchester United seeing two bids rejected last summer, while La Liga giants Real Madrid have reportedly been monitoring the player.

"It is about winning as many trophies as possible throughout your career," said Branthwaite.

"A career is short so you need to make the most of it and give yourself the best possible chance to pick up trophies.

"To be fighting for trophies is something that would be one of the main ambitions for every player and come the end of the career, have as many trophies as possible."