James Garner England call-up in jeopardy after ‘bizarre’ David Moyes decision at Everton
James Garner started at right-back as Everton lost 1-0 to Manchester United on Monday.
The Toffees didn’t have their best day as a Benjamin Sesko strike proved to be the difference at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
It was a fairly even contest on Merseyside, but one moment of clinicality from the Slovenian cancelled out anything David Moyes’ side attempted.
The Scot arguably has to take some blame for that, as his starting XI provided more questions than answers in L4.
Garner featured at full-back, while Nathan Patterson and Seamus Coleman watched from the bench in a decision that hasn’t been looked upon favourably.
David Moyes call on James Garner baffles at Everton
There haven’t been many better in blue this campaign than the Englishman, as his goal involvements have played a key role in any positivity.
That has come off the back of being given a true role in the middle of the park, rather than being forced out to other positions.
It felt as if those days were behind him based on the ex-Manchester United man’s form, but he was still forced out to right-back against his former side.
That decision hasn’t gone down well with former Everton scout Bryan King, who has questioned why he would be forced into defence, especially with a potentially England call-up on the table.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, King said: “It’s a strange one to me.
“He’s been their best player in midfield. Why would you play him at right-back? He’s been central to a lot of the attacking play that Everton have had.
“I don’t think he’ll get into the England squad playing right-back, that’s for sure.
“Seamus Coleman could have played and had a good hour, but there we go.
“We’re getting bizarre decisions by managers every week.“
Moyes could cost Garner England call-up
With a World Cup coming up in the summer, there will be a whole host of players fighting for a spot on the plane.
Thomas Tuchel has a big decision on his hands, especially in midfield, with the likes of Garner, Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton fighting for one spot in the side.
The German has spoken personally with the Everton man, but probably won’t be impressed by him playing right-back rather than centrally.
If Moyes doesn’t start to trust Patterson and Coleman to start, it could end the World Cup dream for Garner before it’s even begun.
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