‘Time is running out’ as David Moyes plea to fail for James Garner despite Everton exploits
David Moyes has made no secret of his desire to see James Garner called up to the England squad.
Jack Grealish has been linked with a return to England’s team for the 2026 World Cup after he was left out of the recent international break.
Thomas Tuchel will also be keeping an eye on Jarrad Branthwaite, but Garner is going under the radar at the moment.
Moyes has tried to hype up his midfielder, but whether it works, and the former Chelsea manager gives the ex-Manchester United academy star the acknowledgement that he deserves, remains to be seen.
Goodison News presents the exclusive opinion of iconic football commentator Ian Darke.
James Garner will struggle to make England squad
Garner’s displays for Everton warrant a place, but whether he will actually be on the plane to the United States is an entirely different question.
Garner has created two big chances, made 2.86 tackles per game and won 60 per cent of his duels in seven matches this season, as per Sofascore.
Darke believes that Garner faces a struggle to be selected in Tuchel’s squad for the tournament despite his impressive Blues exploits.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, he said: “I don’t see him getting called up anytime soon because I think it’s quite a crowded area now for England.
“I’m not suggesting for a minute he’s not a classy player who one day might get a chance, but it would have to be a kind of late and unexpected run in a World Cup year now.
“And I’m guessing they’re getting to the point with time running out between now and the
World Cup for putting even more new names in.
“So I think he’d have to perform out of his skin to force his way in. But, you know, Elliot Anderson has, hasn’t he?
“So, you know, it’s a good incentive and it’s good management by David Moyes to give his player a big public pat on the back in that way, which I suspect is part of his thinking.”
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James Garner will still hope to make it
Garner will be hoping that he can do enough to make it into Tuchel’s plans, but as Darke states, it is a tall order.
Blues fans are much more likely to see the likes of Grealish and Branthwaite at the tournament, rather than the midfield maestro.
However, you never know what can happen in football, there is still a chance that Garner gets the chance to shine, despite it being unlikely.
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