Former Carlisle manager Steven Pressley insists Everton youngster Jarrod Branthwaite has the qualities to play for England.

Pressley handed Branthwaite his debut at the age of 17 last October, which ultimately lead to his move to Everton in January 2020.

"Jarrad was just 16 when I first saw him play but he immediately made a big impression on me," Pressley told Everton's club website.

"It was about three weeks into my tenure at Carlisle and he was playing in the second team.

"He had so many quality attributes to become a top player.

"On the back of that one game, I phoned the Director of Football to get him tied up on a longer-term contract, which we did within two or three days.

"From that moment on, he trained with the first-team every day.

"I told people he was a future England international.

"Not once from when I gave him his debut did I ever consider leaving him out again, because I felt his performances had been so strong.

"The truth is, I think he has got everything. He can pass the ball almost equally as good with both feet. He's a terrific footballer.

"And If he continues to develop, then, without doubt, he can be an England player."