Branthwaite credits Munich rehabilitation programme after England recall

Jarrad Branthwaite has credited a summer rehabilitation programme in Munich with helping him return to the England squad after repeated injury setbacks. According to reporting by The Guardian's Andy Hunter, the Everton defender underwent assessments of his movement and brain as part of a wider examination of the problems that had interrupted his career.

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The 24-year-old has played in every Premier League match this season after hamstring trouble restricted him to 10 appearances last term. Thomas Tuchel has included him in England's squad for Nations League matches against Spain, Czechia and Croatia. A further appearance would be only his second at senior international level, following his debut as a substitute against Bosnia and Herzegovina in June 2024.

Everton sent Branthwaite to the MYOS sports and health clinic in Munich at the beginning of the summer. He said the decision followed discussions with the club after several recurring injuries. He spent three or four weeks working with specialists alongside Everton's staff, with the programme examining his body more broadly rather than focusing only on the latest setback.

Branthwaite described the work as complex and expressed hope that it had helped, rather than claiming his injury difficulties were definitively resolved. He also pointed to the management of his workload during pre-season as part of his return. His account linked the clinic visit with that careful preparation, while his stated priority remains staying on the pitch throughout the campaign.

The defender's previous season ended after another hamstring injury during Everton's defeat by Liverpool in April. He was carried off in tears, and the setback also ended his chance of making a late push for a World Cup place. Branthwaite said repeated absences had been mentally difficult, leaving him uncertain about his body and apprehensive about what might happen when he played.

Returning to international contention had therefore been a target alongside recovering his fitness. Branthwaite said he learned of his recall while having breakfast and regarded it as a proud moment after so much time unavailable. He acknowledged the quality of England's players but said he believed he belonged in the squad. Selection for the coming matches, however, is not guaranteed by the call-up.