Jarrad Branthwaite can be an England star at Everton, says David Moyes

David Moyes believes Jarrad Branthwaite can realise his England ambitions at Everton and doesn’t have to leave Goodison Park to impress Thomas Tuchel.

There have been reports this week the defender was disappointed to have been left out of Tuchel’s first squad and was subsequently considering his future on Merseyside.

But Moyes, who takes the resurgent Toffees to neighbours Liverpool tomorrow night, pointed out several other players have been England regulars while playing for Everton.

Moyes said: “I would say to him Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines, Joleon Lescott – that’s three who we brought in and went on to become international players for England, which was a great achievement.

“I think Jarrad is in a position where he could easily go on and do that. I see it as a challenge for Jarrad to pick up and say ‘come on, I’m going to show what I can do’.

“This club has developed quite a few England internationals over the years. We’ve got a very good goalkeeper [Jordan Pickford] who is playing for England as well.”

Embracing the challenge, not fearing it. 👊 pic.twitter.com/vKbGuHcdf0

— Everton (@Everton) April 1, 2025

Everton rising under Moyes

Everton’s form under Moyes has been impressive. They have gone nine league games unbeaten and pulled away from the relegation zone.

The Scot has received plenty of praise for his impact after returning to Goodison, but insists he is happy to let the players take the plaudits.

He added: “It [the stats] says that the club and certainly the team are on a better trajectory than we were before. We’ve started really well. The players have done a brilliant job.

“There is a lot that can be said about a new manager coming in and I know it is our job to get them playing, but I have to say that the players have picked themselves right up, they have turned the whole place around – the crowd and the support – and they have gone on a run, which has been really good.

“Actually, we were a bit disappointed with a couple of the draws in there, that we didn’t get victories.

“There might have been a couple of draws in there which we could have been a bit lucky with but, overall, I think the players have got everything they have deserved.

“They have got the results and we want to keep it going.”

Next up: derby day. 🔵#LIVEVE pic.twitter.com/97QAzGdRgi

— Everton (@Everton) April 1, 2025

Moyes chases first Anfield win as Everton boss

Moyes, who has also managed Manchester United, Sunderland and West Ham in the top flight, does not have a good record against Liverpool, winning just six of 43 encounters with the Reds.

And he is desperate to claim a first Anfield win in charge of Everton tomorrow night.

“It would be huge for us as a club to get that because it is not something that the club has done particularly often [either],” he said. “It has always been difficult. I’ve had a few draws there, which I remember well, but it is always tough. It’s not just us, it’s tough for a lot of clubs in the Premier League to go there and get a result.”