Credit: Imago/ITV Football

Declan Carr

Fri 27 March 2026 21:54, UK

James Garner made his England debut in the 1-1 draw with Uruguay, and the Everton ace left Emma Hayes stunned on Friday evening.

David Moyes had been calling for his midfielder to be called up for a long-time and he finally got his wish this time around.

Garner did not disappoint, as he was absolutely brilliant for Thomas Tuchel’s side at Wembley on 27 March.

Everton fans will be looking forward to watching him at the World Cup in the summer if he continues in this vein of form for club and country for the rest of the season.

What was said about Everton star Garner?

Everton star Garner has all the attributes to make England’s squad, and he proved that at the national stadium in his first game for his country.

Former Chelsea Women’s manager Hayes was on half-time analysis duties alongside ex-Arsenal icon Ian Wright, and she waxed lyrically over the Blues star’s display.

Speaking on ITV (20:25 pm), she said: “Garner has impressed me for his selfless movement in the game, he has been exceptional, doing lots of things people might not necessarily notice, the work for the team.”

Hayes continued her love in for the Toffees ace in another part of the analysis, saying: “He is such a coach’s player, in terms of he is willing to a lot of selfless movements, to open up space or even in the recovery defensively.

“He’s very athletic, agile, he gets around the pitch really well, but he also has a lot of quality in possession of the ball.”

How did Garner perform on England debut?

Garner enjoyed a fine showing, which will leave Tuchel with no doubt that he can be a part of his squad.

He completed 92 per cent of his passes, created four chances for teammates and connected with three of the five crosses that he attempted, per Sofascore.

The Blues ace took 59 touches and lost the ball only eight times, proving that he is comfortable in possession to his national team boss in his audition.

He won two of the five tackles that he attempted, made one interception and four recoveries, as well as winning six of the nine ground duels that he attempted.

Clearly, he was not phased by the occasion and played as if he had been part of the squad for a number of years.

Hayes was right to rave about him; it was a fantastic performance, and he deserves the credit that he is getting, and to be on the plane for the tournament in the summer.

Of course, Evertonians know that, but the wider Three Lions audience are surely now aware as well after his showing in the friendly.