Jarrad Branthwaite handed England debut days before final Euro 2024 squad revealed

CUMBRIAN defender Jarrad Branthwaite has been handed his England debut days before the announcement of the Three Lions' final Euro 2024 squad.

The Wigton native was handed his senior England debut as the Three Lions defeated Bosnia & Herzegovina 1-0 in Northumbria in their first pre-tournament warm-up match.

Cole Palmer's spot-kick, Trent Alexander-Arnold's volley, and Harry Kane's close-range strike were the difference between Southgate and Sergej Barbarez on the night, with Branthwaite having to wait until the 62nd minute for his first England cap.

The former Carlisle United defender was made to wait for his debut as Southgate opted for a partnership of Brighton's Lewis Dunk and Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi.

This also came nearly two months after the Cumbrian defender did not feature for England after being called up to the senior for the first time ahead of their matches against Brazil and Belgium during the March international break.

It is yet to be seen if Branthwaite will feature in England's final warm-up fixture against Iceland on Friday, June 7, and whether he will feature in Southgate's final 26-man squad that is set to be announced at 10 am on Saturday, June 8.

Elsewhere, Cumbrian goalkeepers James Trafford and Dean Henderson were unused substitutes at St. James' Park.