- No player created more chances than Garner in England’s draw against Uruguay
- Thomas Tuchel says he was confident Garner would play good but can improve
- Impressive display and versatility put him in with a real chance of making the squad
James Garner made his senior England debut at Wembley, becoming the latest Everton player to earn international recognition under Thomas Tuchel. The 25-year-old midfielder started against Uruguay in a pre-World Cup friendly, playing 68 minutes before being substituted with the score still goalless.
England conceded a late goal to draw 1-1, but for Garner, the night was about taking his first steps on the international stage. And he did not look out of place.
Garner’s first-half display sets the tone
James Garner was immediately entrusted with responsibility, sharing set-piece duties with Phil Foden and delivering a number of dangerous corners and free-kicks into the box. His first-half numbers were impressive: 23 out of 25 passes completed, five duels won, four tackles, three chances created and three possessions won.
No player created more chances than James Garner in the first half. The Everton midfielder won more tackles. No player completed more final third passes. For a debut against a brilliant Uruguay side, it was a notable achievement.
Thomas Tuchel had spoken earlier in the week about the importance of set-pieces in modern football, and Garner’s inclusion reflected his quality from dead-ball situations. He ranks fifth for chances created from set-pieces in the Premier League this season, and he carried that form onto the international stage.
World Cup ambition for James Garner
Speaking before the game, Garner had made clear his ambitions. Having won the European Under-21 Championship with England in 2023, he now wants to go one step further.
“For me personally, that was probably one of the best feelings I’ve ever had winning the Euros with the under-21s,” Garner told reporters. “So I just want to go one step further now, hopefully win a trophy for the first team as well.”
He admitted he had targeted this season as the moment to prove himself. “I told myself that at the start of the season that it has to be this season where I show everyone what I can do. I think so far I have done.”
Garner was part of a split England squad, with some players leaving after the Uruguay game and 11 coming in for Tuesday’s match against Japan. His involvement beyond Friday remains unclear, but he did his chances of a World Cup place no harm.
The game itself ended in disappointment. Dominic Calvert-Lewin missed a sitter from close range, Ben White headed England ahead from a corner, and Uruguay equalised from a late penalty that VAR persuaded the referee to award. Jordan Pickford, the other Everton player in the squad, watched from the bench.
But for Garner, the night was about more than the result. He became the latest Everton player to pull on an England shirt, and he did so with the same quality that has made him one of the Premier League’s most consistent midfielders this season. The World Cup is now in his sights.
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