Scott Mason

Tue 19 May 2026 9:10, UK

Everton’s James Garner will be hoping to see his name among England’s World Cup squad announcement, but the midfielder may face heartbreak.

As the season comes to a close, attention will turn to the biggest showcase that football has to offer. The Toffees are expected to have a plethora of players competing

Everton stars such as Jordan Pickford, Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye are all likely to be called up to their nation.

However, in the case of Garner, it is a toss-up as to whether he makes the cut after only recently making his Three Lions debut.

Recent Premier League developments, though, may not land in his favour as Tuchel begins to draw up his final squad.

James Garner’s World Cup rivals take spotlight over the last few weeks

When it comes to players competing alongside Garner for a midfield place in Tuchel’s squad, those he is fighting against have been coming out on top.

And recency bias may ultimately go against the Everton star.

Elliott Anderson just secured two assists against Manchester United over the weekend, while Adam Wharton also struck his first-ever Crystal Palace goal while helping them to a European final in the process too.

Kobbie Mainoo continues to go from strength to strength under the management of Michael Carrick, while Declan Rice is a shoe-in for the squad.

Garner, however, has not quite been performing at the same level, with Everton slipping up in their past six Premier League games.

The 25-year-old will likely have to hope his first impression back in the March internationals was enough to convince Tuchel of his qualities, as Everton’s performances likely will not have.

Garner made two appearances for England in the March international break.

When is England’s World Cup squad announcement?

Unfortunately for Garner, he will not have any more chances to potentially insert himself into Tuchel’s plans with the 26-man squad to be announced on Friday, 22 May.

This comes two days before the final game of the Premier League season. It also means Tuchel’s last impression of Garner is from Everton’s 3-1 loss to Sunderland.

Hopefully the midfield ace is included, as over the course of the season, he certainly does deserve it.

But when it comes to international tournaments, form can often be the main deciding factor, and he does not have that on his side.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.