Everton: What James Garner must do in final two Premier League games to realise England World Cup dream
Everton star James Garner faces a bumpy road if he wants to go to the World Cup with England.
The versatile midfielder has had an excellent season at Hill Dickinson Stadium and has earned his flowers for doing so.
A new contract was tabled on Merseyside to reflect his importance before he was eventually called up to the Three Lions squad by Thomas Tuchel.
Things went well throughout the March international break, and he received positive reviews for his Wembley performances.
That may not be enough to seal Garner a place in England’s World Cup squad, with the 25-year-old left with two Premier League games to prove himself.
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James Garner could miss out on World Cup with England
There were some star moments from the ex-Manchester United man in showings against Uruguay and Japan in the last international break.
Particularly when facing the South American side, Tuchel was impressed and even compared him to Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde.
| Stat vs Uruguay | James Garner |
| Minutes played | 69 |
| Chances created | 4 |
| Defensive actions | 6 |
| Duels won | 6 |
The problems have come following those dates in the capital, with Everton’s recent form taking a fall from earlier in the campaign.
The World Cup hopeful has played a part in that and have left former Everton scout Bryan King fearing for the worst.
He 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. His form has slipped away.”
Garner could see his England chances fall away, but there are things he can do to prove himself to Tuchel with just two games to go.
How Garner can prove himself to Thomas Tuchel at Everton?
The Blues’ form may have dropped off recently, but the last outing against Crystal Palace was proof that Garner can still perform at a good level.
He started at the base of midfield at Selhurst Park and was able to maintain an 82 per cent pass accuracy and create three chances.
The Englishman also racked up seven defensive contributions and five duel wins, something which is certainly a plus point.
That is exactly what he needs to do in the final two games of the season as the Toffees prepare to face Sunderland at Hill Dickinson Stadium and Tottenham away.
He will also be keen to add to his nine-goal involvement tally to show Tuchel every different facet he can add to his England squad.
There is plenty of time remaining, but his upcoming performances need to prove exactly how good he can be.
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