Thomas Tuchel spotted in talks with David Moyes after Everton win vs Aston Villa, one thing was on his mind
England manager Thomas Tuchel was in attendance as Everton picked up three points against Aston Villa.
Thierno Barry scored the only goal of the game as Everton secured a 1-0 win away to Aston Villa on Sunday in a game that wasn’t without controversy.
The Toffees were still without several key players, though many of them are due back when they return to Premier League action to face Leeds at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
However, Tuchel was among the crowd at Villa Park for Everton’s latest win, and there was likely one thing on his mind.
Everton could easily be represented at 2026 World Cup
Given the amount of English talent on display at Villa Park on Sunday, it was no surprise to see Tuchel in attendance, with a preliminary decision for his World Cup squad likely to be made within the next few months.
For the hosts, Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers will have been getting observed, while for the Toffees, Jack Grealish and James Garner were almost certainly on Tuchel’s mind.
Grealish certainly didn’t have his best game, but Garner, who has arguably been Everton’s best player this season, was again at the very top level of his game.
His return to a midfield role has brought plenty of success on Merseyside, though his ability to play in several positions will have almost certainly caught the eye of the England boss.
Despite having played regular Premier League football over the last four years, Garner has never made an appearance for England at senior level, but that may change after what Tuchel saw against the Villans.
James Garner shows Thomas Tuchel what he’s been missing
It’s hard to pinpoint a time when Garner has not been at his best this season, even when Everton as a whole may not have been.
It was no different against Aston Villa, with the 24-year-old having run the midfield from the first minute to the last.
Via Sofascore, Garner completed 90 per cent of his 48 attempted passes in the game.
Of those in his own half, only one failed to reach its target, while 20 of his 24 attempted in the opposition half were completed.
His defensive contributions didn’t go unnoticed either, with the midfielder having won four of his seven attempted tackles and nine of his 13 ground duels in the game.
Garner also made four interceptions, showcasing just how influential he is in the middle of the park.
England have a series of quality midfielders, but when taking into account form and versatility, Garner has certainly made a strong case for himself to be named in the squad for this summer’s World Cup.
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