Everton star James Garner’s World Cup dream over: ‘It doesn’t bode well’
James Garner may be watching the World Cup from home after a frustrating run at Everton.
The 25-year-old has had a terrific campaign overall and has certainly caught the eye of the wider Premier League audience.
His early-season performances prompted transfer interest from some top teams before he penned fresh terms at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Top form continued and culminated with a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad in the March international break.
It now appears that a place in the World Cup squad is off the cards, with Garner and his Everton teammates struggling in recent weeks.
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James Garner unlikely to earn World Cup call-up for England
When featuring in midfield, the former Manchester United man has been one of the best players available on the blue side of Merseyside.
Despite that, David Moyes has utilised him in various positions that have negatively impacted his performance level.
| Stat (Premier League 25/26) | James Garner |
| Appearances | 36 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 7 |
| Chances created | 52 |
| Duels won | 195 |
| Defensive contributions | 437 |
The irony is that he has actually played in his preferred central role recently and has still struggled to make a difference in L3.
Former Everton scout Bryan King believes his drop off in form could be detrimental to his England chances, with a place at the World Cup potentially off the table.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, King said: “I can’t see him going to the World Cup now.
“It’s been relayed to his performances because he had been playing well and was central to Everton.
“Everyone has a dip in their form, and his has come at the end of the season, which doesn’t bode well for the World Cup.
“He deserved his cap when he played earlier this year, but I can’t see him being in the squad now.
“Sometimes these things happen, and things go against you after such a high, like being called up.
“You need him to perform for all 38 games this season, but his form has slipped away.”
Garner will be waiting for the England squad announcement with bated breath, but it may not be particularly likely at this stage.
Everton have let Garner down
The midfielder’s form might not have been amazing in recent games, but neither have his teammates.
The Toffees’ last five games have ended in a draw or defeat, despite them taking the lead in two of those.
A 3-3 draw against Manchester City was the biggest example of throwing three points away, but was followed by a similar 2-2 result away to Crystal Palace.
Conceding so many late goals has been massively frustrating and doesn’t paint a good picture of Garner to Tuchel ahead of the World Cup.
Playing for a struggling side may see the German head coach’s head turn as other options are assessed for the summer tournament.
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