Garner and Branthwaite get England minutes as Pickford sits out Spain game

James Garner and Jarrad Branthwaite both got minutes for England at Wembley on Saturday night, while Jordan Pickford watched from the bench as Thomas Tuchel gave James Trafford the start against Spain.

It made for an unusual evening from an Everton perspective. Pickford has been England’s established No.1 for several years, but this time the opportunities went to two of his club teammates.

Garner, who was added to the squad following five withdrawals, was the first Blue introduced.

Garner handed 20 minutes at Wembley

The midfielder replaced Myles Lewis-Skelly in the 70th minute, with the game level at 2-2. Spain regained the lead four minutes later through Mikel Oyarzabal, leaving Garner involved as England pushed for another equaliser during the closing stages.

The appearance gave Garner further senior international experience after winning his first two England caps in March. His latest call-up came after Tino Livramento, Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford and Declan Rice withdrew from Tuchel’s squad.

Branthwaite makes late appearance

Branthwaite had to wait until the 89th minute for his opportunity. The centre-back replaced Marc Guehi for the closing moments, getting back onto the international stage after returning to the England squad for this Nations League window.

Pickford, meanwhile, remained among the substitutes throughout as Trafford was preferred in goal. England now travel to Prague to face Czechia on Tuesday, giving all three Everton players another opportunity to be involved.

For the Blues, Garner’s 20 minutes represented the most substantial involvement at Wembley. Branthwaite also got back onto the pitch for his country, while Pickford will hope to return to the side as England’s Nations League schedule continues.

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