Branthwaite credits Germany trip for resurgence

[Getty Images] Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has credited a summer of rehabilitation in Germany for the injury-free form that helped him earn an England recall. The 24-year-old played just 10 times for the Toffees last season and spent part of the summer in Germany to "assess different things". Branthwaite has started all five of Everton's Premier League games this season and is back in Thomas Tuchel's squad as he looks to add to the one cap he won in 2024. "I sat down with the club after the three or four times where I was picking up the injuries," he explained. "It was to look at the wider picture, look at the holistic approach of the body, essentially. "I went over there [Germany] for three or four weeks, working with a team alongside the club, just to assess different things, and hopefully that has helped. "There were a lot of different things looked at, like movement patterns, the brain. It was quite complex, but fingers crossed it has worked. "It is probably the worst thing as a footballer not to be on the pitch, and when it keeps happening it is mentally tough because you are sort of doubting your body and going on the pitch wary of what is going to happen. "I think now I am in a position where I got managed throughout the pre-season, managed my load well and hopefully I can stay on the pitch." Despite struggling with injury, Branthwaite said in February that he hoped to make a final push for the World Cup squad. That did not materialise, but he has begun this season well and has helped Everton to an unbeaten start to this Premier League campaign. "Being out for such a long time with injury didn't help - missing three or four of the camps and missing a lot of football," he added. "My aim is to stay injury-free and play as many games as I can and keep giving myself the best possible chance to be in the squad. "I've not spoken to him [Tuchel] recently. When we get there we'll have a chat. I can't wait to join up with the squad and enjoy the couple of weeks. "I believe I am good enough to be in the England squad, so hopefully I can show that."