James Garner set for England call-up after Everton heroics as Thomas Tuchel talks held
Thomas Tuchel may not overlook James Garner after having a conversation with the Everton midfielder.
Sky Sports journalist Sam Blitz has revealed that the England manager spoke with the 24-year-old after the Toffees beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford in November.
The former Chelsea boss also held talks with Jack Grealish, but with the Manchester City loanee likely out for the rest of the season, it would be surprising to see him make England’s 2026 World Cup squad.
On the other hand, Garner could potentially have a chance to make his Three Lions’ debut sooner rather than later after Tuchel’s recent experiments in the engine room.
Everton midfielder James Garner has fierce competition for England call-up
England are set to face Uruguay and Japan in friendlies during the March international break ahead of the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
During the World Cup qualifiers, Tuchel made some interesting decisions with his squad selection, especially opting to experiment in the midfield.
The likes of Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton have been given a chance to stake a claim in the Three Lions’ setup.
Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, Liverpool’s Curtis Jones and AC Milan’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek have also been trialled by the German manager.
While Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham will feel their place in the starting lineup is guaranteed, there’s no reason why Garner can’t be given an opportunity after his heroics at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Writing in Sky Sports on 23 February, Blitz said, “There is another area where Garner is being overlooked. Despite a consistent spell at Everton and multiple international windows where England boss Thomas Tuchel has trialled out midfielders such as Alex Scott, Curtis Jones and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, there has not been room for Garner as of yet, despite his consistent performances.
“But that may not be the case anymore. After Everton beat United away from home back in November, Tuchel had a conversation with a couple of Toffees players in the Old Trafford dugout. Jack Grealish was one, but Garner was the other.”
David Moyes to make case for two other players for England call-up
Moyes has already given Tuchel some advice on potentially calling up Grealish and Garner in recent months.
The Scottish manager should also be getting in touch with the Three Lions’ boss to make a case for Michael Keane, who has arguably been the standout defender at the Merseyside outfit this season.
This season, the 33-year-old has cemented his place in the Toffees’ starting lineup alongside James Tarkowski, who should also be in contention for Tuchel after his consistent defensive displays under Moyes.
With quality centre-backs a premium for England, the ex-Chelsea boss may have his eyes on the Blues.
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