- Two goals and five assists for Garner in the Premier League this season
- England take on Uruguay on 27 March and Japan on 31 March
James Garner’s brilliant season has been rewarded with a maiden England call-up ahead of Uruguay and Japan friendlies.
Everton midfielder James Garner has been called up to the England senior squad for the first time after a brilliant season at Everton. Thomas Tuchel named the 25-year-old midfielder in his 35-man squad for the upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan at Wembley.
Garner joins Everton teammate Jordan Pickford in the squad as England continue their preparations for the World Cup this summer. The call-up caps an impressive season for the former Manchester United academy graduate, who has become a key figure under David Moyes.
Breakthrough season at Everton
Garner has been ever-present for Everton this season. He has started all 30 of his league appearances and played every minute of those matches. That consistency has made him one of the most reliable players in Moyes’ squad as they push for European places.
His numbers this season point out his massive impact on Everton this season. Garner has scored two goals and provided five assists from midfield. He leads the team in tackles with three per game and interceptions with 1.6. His 88 per cent pass completion rate shows how reliable he is in possession. He is easily one of Moyes’s first choices on the team sheet.
In January, James Garner signed a new long-term contract with the club. That decision now looks even more significant with this England call-up.
Why is James Garner England call-up massive
Thomas Tuchel has named a larger squad than usual for this international window. Players will report in two stages across the break. The head coach explained his thinking behind the expanded selection.
“We decided to divide it into basically two camps almost, so we bring players in that we haven’t seen who haven’t played so much to open up the picture, and the competition for plane tickets to the US,” Tuchel said. “Then from Friday and Saturday, a group of players will come into camp – ten or eleven players who get a rest before and we will then go with a new group and mix of players into the match against Japan”, Tuchel added.
Talking about James Garner’s England call-up, Tuchel said, “I think he deserves it. He is an underrated player. I saw him many times now live and (am) convinced about his quality and character and want to see how he does in the camp”.
With the squad split across two groups and two matches, Garner has a real chance to earn his first senior cap. The first group will report early, giving players like the Everton midfielder time to impress before a second wave joins ahead of the Japan game.
Garner has represented England at youth levels before, captaining the Under-21s on several occasions. However, this is his first senior call-up.
For Everton, having two players in the England squad reflects the progress made under Moyes this season. Garner and Pickford will now represent the club on the international stage before returning for the final run-in, where European qualification remains firmly in sight.
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