Jarrad Branthwaite has been described as a “shining light” for other young Cumbrian footballers as he starts his England journey today.
The former Carlisle United defender is linking up with the senior national squad for the first time ahead of friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
And the Wigton star’s call-up is a huge source of pride at Brunton Park, through whose academy Branthwaite rose before moving to Everton.
Blues manager Paul Simpson says the 21-year-old is the perfect example to other young players to see what is possible at their local clubs.
“It’s absolutely brilliant, and it gives so much pride to a football club to know that we started that young fella off on his journey,” said Simpson.
“He's been superb in the Premier League this season. He came through at Carlisle, and it's a bit of inspiration for all the other young players at clubs like Carlisle United to know that there's a starting ground here.
“And if you look at a lot of the central defenders who are involved in England, they have all started at the lower levels and worked their way through.
“So it’s absolutely super for Jarrad and his family. And hopefully he gets an opportunity [in these games].”
Branthwaite, who has captained England’s Under-21s, was promoted to the senior squad by Gareth Southgate last Thursday.
It followed a string of impressive performances for Everton in the top-flight.
The Brazil and Belgium games at Wembley give the young Cumbrian the chance to make a late run for a place in Southgate’s squad for the European Championships this summer.
Simpson hopes Carlisle’s youth set-up – which is set to undergo significant changes soon – can go on and produce more young stars in Branthwaite’s wake.
“We have to use him as the shining light of what the academy can produce,” said Simpson.
“We’re very close to making the appointment on our new academy manager.
“We're hoping it's going to be a real positive change inside the academy, and hopefully that'll come soon.
“And maybe there's some more Jarrad Branthwaites out there that can be really successful in their football career and also help Carlisle United.”
Branthwaite's move from Carlisle to Everton in January 2020 has already delivered financial benefits to the Blues, while United directors recently confirmed that the club would stand to benefit "significantly" should the defender make a big-money move in the future.
The Cumbrians have not, though, commented on the potential benefits of his England call-up as any further part of the terms of his move to the Premier Leagur club four years ago.
Chief executive Nigel Clibbens said: "The club can’t comment on the specific details of the arrangement but we are all delighted to see him called up and his career going from strength to strength."
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