Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite says a summer spent rehabilitating in Germany played a key role in his return to fitness and form, which has now earned him an England recall.
The 24-year-old endured a stop-start campaign last season, managing just 10 appearances for the Toffees as injuries disrupted his progress. According to BBC News, Branthwaite used part of his summer break to travel to Germany for specialist treatment, a decision he credits for the injury-free spell he's now enjoying.
That improved fitness has translated into consistent performances for Everton this season, catching the eye of England's coaching staff and securing his place back in the international fold.
While the report doesn't detail the specifics of his rehabilitation work or the exact nature of his past injuries, Branthwaite's own account points to a clear cause-and-effect: proactive recovery abroad paying dividends both at club and international level. For a player once tipped as one of England's brightest defensive prospects, staying fit appears to have been the missing piece.