Stars DO care about playing for England: Jarrad Branthwaite defends Declan Rice, Cole Palmer and Co after five dropouts cast shadow over start of Thomas Tuchel's post-World Cup mission

Jarrad Branthwaite has defended his England team-mates amid a raft of withdrawals from the national team squad ahead of the upcoming Nations League fixtures.

Five key players have withdrawn from Thomas Tuchel's England squad before their international matches due to injury.

Cole Palmer, Declan Rice and Tino Livramento are among the absentees, along with Manchester United duo Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo.

James Garner and Morgan Gibbs-White have been called up as replacements.

Everton centre back Branthwaite, who earned his first cap under Gareth Southgate more than two years ago, dismissed suggestions that players are prioritising their clubs over their country.

The 24-year-old said: 'I think all players are fully committed to playing for England. I can speak for myself how much of a privilege is to to be in the England squad and to represent England, so I think it'll be the same for all the players.'

Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer withdrew from the England squad to manage his workload

Branthwaite has struggled with injury issues of his own. Shortly after his first England appearance, he was linked with a move to Manchester United in the summer of 2024, but the club failed to meet Everton's £70million valuation. A groin operation and a thigh problem then sidelined him until October.

Last season, a hamstring injury delayed the start of his campaign until January, and another setback sustained in April limited him to just 10 Premier League appearances.

After a summer spent in Germany learning more about holistic fitness, Branthwaite has now played every minute of Everton's opening five Premier League matches and has earned his first call-up under Tuchel.

'When I went off with the injury (in April) I was devastated after the amount of times I’ve come back from it, and for it to happen again. To be called back up to the England squad means everything to me.

Jarrad Branthwaite is hoping to win his second cap after a solitary appearance in 2024

'All the hard work that went into the rehab to get to this point, it makes it worthwhile. I’m buzzing to be back in the England set-up.'

Branthwaite’s call-up marks an important first step in challenging Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa for a place in Tuchel’s starting line-up, and he revealed that the German coach’s main message to him was to ‘come in and express yourself.’

'Every time you get the opportunity you’ve got to show the best account of yourself to give yourself the best possible chance to be in the squad and in the team for the future,’ he said.

‘That starts with every training session, every chance you step on the pitch and hopefully I can do that.’

England face Spain in their first Nations League fixture at Wembley on Saturday, before two matches against Czech Republic sandwich Croatia away over an extended international break.