--- title: "‘I hoped he would select Scotland’ – David Moyes’ reaction to James Garner England call-up" canonical: "https://readeverton.com/james-garner-scotland-david-moyes/" type: "post" language: "en-GB" author: "Shumail Sajid" section: "Everton News" published: "2026-03-20T15:31:30Z" modified: "2026-03-20T15:31:37Z" --- # ‘I hoped he would select Scotland’ – David Moyes’ reaction to James Garner England call-up - **James Garner has received his maiden England call-up for Japan and Uruguay friendlies.** - **The Englishman penned a new four-and-a-half at Everton this January.** - **James Garner ranks top among English players for both tackles (89) and interceptions (49) in the Premier League this season.** Everton midfielder James Garner has received his maiden England call-up for the upcoming games against Uruguay and Japan. The 25-year-old has been named in Thomas Tuchel’s 35-man squad, as was Toffees teammate Jordan Pickford. Garner has started all 30 Premier League games this season, in the heart of an Everton midfield. The midfielder has been exceptional with the ball. He ranks second in the Premier League for both tackles (89) and interceptions (49). > 1 – James Garner ranks top among English players for both tackles (89) and interceptions (49) in the Premier League this season. Call-up. [pic.twitter.com/JkT8JhLexU](https://t.co/JkT8JhLexU) > > — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) [March 20, 2026](https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/2034954531444777132?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Only [Jack Grealish](https://readeverton.com/tag/jack-grealish/) has more than Garner’s five assists for [Everton](https://readeverton.com/)this season, while he leads the squad in big chances created (10) and line-breaking passes into the final third (94). ## **Moyes’ Scotland joke on James Garner** When asked for his reaction to [Garner’s England call-up](https://readeverton.com/james-garner-england-call-up-everton/), Moyes could not resist a light-hearted admission for the player’s international future. “I hoped he would select Scotland instead of England,” [the Everton manager said](https://www.evertonfc.com/news/2026/march/20/watch-moyes--press-conference--1-30pm-gmt----follow-live-blog/). “I’m thrilled for Jimmy. He’s been very good all season.” Previously, David Moyes joked about James Garner being Scottish. “I told Thomas that James (Garner) was Scottish really and that I would be surprised if he could play for England. His name sounds Scottish.” > 🗣️ “I told Thomas that James (Garner) was Scottish really and that I would be surprised if he could play for England. His name sounds Scottish.” – David Moyes on speaking with Thomas Tuchel [pic.twitter.com/7K1HlOBNbG](https://t.co/7K1HlOBNbG) > > — 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀 (@EvertonNewsFeed) [January 23, 2026](https://twitter.com/EvertonNewsFeed/status/2014699244016337406?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The 25-year-old has now committed his international future to England, and Moyes was full of praise for his progress. “I think he’s matured more, gained a lot more confidence. I don’t think it was ever in doubt he was always a good player,” Moyes added. “Great credit to him and great for Everton Football Club, as well.” ## **A season of growth for James Garner** James Garner had a difficult journey leading to the England call-up. He took time to find his feet after arriving from Manchester United in 2022, with back problems disrupting both the 2022-23 and 2024-25 campaigns. This season, however, he has been one of the most consistent performers at Everton. Thomas Tuchel, who included Garner in his extended squad, called him “a bit of an underrated player”. The England head coach added: “He plays several positions. I’ve been impressed watching him live, by his work rate and physicality. He is a fantastic team-mate and does a lot to help those around him.” Garner’s outstanding form was rewarded in January with a new four-and-a-half-year contract, committing him to Everton until 2030. Moyes described him at the time as a player who has “developed hugely during his time at Everton” and is “turning into a leader for us”. Now, with European qualification still in sight at club level and a World Cup on the horizon this summer, Garner’s season could yet become even more memorable. - [Everton news: Stadium finances, Armstrong future and Sherif report](https://readeverton.com/everton-news-8-october-2026-stadium-armstrong-sherif/) - [Everton youngster Martin Sherif reportedly fined £5,000 over betting breaches](https://readeverton.com/everton-martin-sherif-betting-breaches-fine/) - [Everton’s new stadium promised greater spending power – when will it arrive?](https://readeverton.com/everton-new-stadium-transfer-spending-friedkin-group/) - [Everton’s 31-year wait for success stands alone among England’s 92 clubs](https://readeverton.com/everton-31-year-trophy-drought-92-clubs/) - [Hull City v Everton: Kick-off time, TV channel and how to watch](https://readeverton.com/hull-city-everton-kick-off-tv-how-to-watch/)