There is a new generation of Everton’s dogs of war brewing at Goodison Park and Jarrad Branthwaite will be chief among them.

The news of a 10-point deduction in the Premier League following a breach in the Profit and Sustainability Rules was met with defiance from blue half of Merseyside. Their league position may appear precarious, after being plunged into 19th, but there is momentum stored following their strong run until the November international break.

News broke last Friday, while the Blues were dotted around the world on international duty, and with the return to English top-flight action due to take place on Sunday when Manchester United visit Goodison Park, they have another list of inductees waiting to be etched into Toffees folklore.

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Amidst the fallout, Branthwaite took centre stage at Goodison Park on Tuesday as he joined an esteemed group of England youth internationals, in their comfortable win over Northern Ireland under-21s.

He led England out at Goodison Park on what was just his fifth cap for Lee Carsley’s side, which already boasts a European Championships winner's medal.

Branthwaite has been the focus of the attention for much of the build-up to reigning Euros champions stepping foot on L4. But there won't be many easier nights for the Everton defender as the Young Lions cruised to a 3-0 win, after Harvey Elliott added a brace to Tyler Morton's opener.

Carsley, who made 166 league appearances for Everton, is a firm favourite of the defender at his former club and will be looking to pave the way for a senior call-up to Gareth Southgate’s side - following the likes of Levi Colwill and Cole Palmer who have recently made their bows for the Three Lions.

Southgate’s assistant manager Steve Holland was among those in attendance on Tuesday night to see the under-21s coast past their British rivals. And Branthwaite would have undoubtedly impressed with a classy and assured performance at the back to nullify any threats that Tommy Wright’s side posed.

Having polished his raw ability in a season-long loan spell in the Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven, Branthwaite has featured in 10 of Everton’s opening 12 Premier League fixtures after usurping Michael Keane to line up alongside James Tarkowski in the heart of the back four.

Branthwaite’s focus will immediately switch to the Blues preparations to face Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils, a clash that has the billing to be a memorable Goodison Park night with Everton looking to hack away at the points deduction.

With his contract recently extended until 2026, the stopper is looking to lean on the experienced heads in the Blues squad - continuing to repay Dyche.

“I think it helps when you’re a young player surrounded by experienced pros who have played 200+ games,” he said in an Q&A published in the England programme.

“For any young player - no matter what position you play - having that experience around you gives you confidence to express yourself and show what you can do.

“The manager has shown his belief in me to put me in the team and hopefully, I’m repaying him by putting in strong performances for the club."

A new landmark was reached in Branthwaite’s short career so far, but experiences such as captaining the under-21s will add to his experience and to his Everton importance.

And there are many more historic nights for Branthwaite to enjoy at Goodison Park, starting with the visit of Ten Hag's men on Sunday.