Jarrad Branthwaite is ready to play for England - and in the Champions League - reckons Ashley Young.

The Cumbrian is in the Three Lions' provisional squad for Euro 2024 and hoping to make the final cut for the tournament.

The Wigton star has also been the subject of persistent transfer speculation after his fine displays for Everton.

And experienced Toffees man Young says the attention Branthwaite is receiving is entirely justified - and the former Carlisle United defender can play at the very top.

“For me, he could start [for England]…definitely," said Young, speaking on TalkSport.

"I’d be confident enough to start him. If he’s going to be called upon he’d fit straight in there.

"He doesn't take any prisoners, he wants to play football. He can tackle, he can head it and come up with a goal as well.

News and Star: Ashley YoungAshley Young (Image: PA)

"He’s got all the attributes to be a great centre-half for many years.”

Branthwaite has been linked with a big-money move to Manchester United, with other top clubs in England and Europe also said to be monitoring the 21-year-old Cumbrian.

He was this week voted players' player of the season by his team-mates at Goodison Park.

Young says Branthwaite is well capable of playing on the highest stage.

“I think he’s ready for the step up,” the former England man added.

“Obviously there’s interest from other club’s who have finished in the top half of the table and rightly so because I know what kind of player he is and where he can get to.

“If it's not with Everton, I can see him with a team that can offer him Champions League football.

“He’s definitely a player that can play in the Champions League and the big tournaments.”

Branthwaite is joined by fellow Cumbrians Dean Henderson and James Trafford in the provisional 33-man England squad for Euro 2024, with the final 26-man squad to be confirmed by June 8.