Ian Wright calls out Gareth Southgate for England decision that 'doesn't make sense'

Ian Wright says Gareth Southgate's decision that he made during England's recent friendlies 'doesn't make sense' in a damning assessment.

England lost to Brazil and drew with Belgium in back-to-back friendly matches at Wembley Stadium.

17-year-old phenom Endrick scored the only goal of the game as Brazil beat the Three Lions last Saturday.

And Jude Bellingham scored a last gasp goal to secure a 2-2 draw against Belgium on Tuesday.

Ivan Toney scored a penalty on his full international debut while Kobbie Mainoo, who made his debut against Brazil, starred in the middle of the park in his side's draw with Belgium.

Elsewhere, Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa made his senior bow against Brazil before making his first start against Belgium.

Jarrad Branthwaite, however, didn't play a single minute in England's two friendly fixtures.

The 21-year-old received his first senior call-up, having delivered stellar showings at the back for Everton this season.

But he'll have to wait to play his first international match as Southgate failed to call upon his services across the two fixtures.

The decision not to play the budding centre-back baffled Arsenal legend Wright, who claimed it was the 'perfect opportunity to look' at Branthwaite.

He exclaimed: "How did Jarrad Branthwaite get zero minutes across the two friendlies? Doesn't make sense. Perfect opportunity to have a look at him."

Jarrad Branthwaite during England training. Image: Getty

Phil McNulty agreed with Wright as he bemoaned Southgate's decision to play Lewis Dunk ahead of Branthwaite.

"Just a note on manager Gareth Southgate’s England team selection," he said.

"It is a bit surprising that Lewis Dunk gets the nod ahead of Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite in England manager Gareth Southgate’s starting line up here tonight.

"Surely this would have been an ideal opportunity to see what the powerful young defender is made of?"

Branthwaite, who has six England under-21 caps to his name, has played 31 games in all competitions this season, including 25 appearances in the Premier League.

Topics: Ian Wright, Gareth Southgate, England, Football

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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