James Garner’s World Cup dream over as Everton star learns England fate
James Garner is not expected to be part of England’s squad for the World Cup, despite his Everton form.
The 25-year-old immense season with the Blues had led to speculation that he would be a wildcard in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the competition.
He was handed his first call-up to the senior Three Lions squad for March’s friendlies with Uruguay and Japan.
The Toffees ace played in both of those games, picking up the England Player of the Match award against the former.
Everton fans had hoped to see him at the tournament, but it appears that he will not included in the inital 26-man squad.
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What has been said about Everton star Garner’s chances
Garner excelled away from Everton in his two appearances for his country, but it seems that is not enough.
A report from The Athletic’s David Ornstein on 21 May claims that Garner won’t be named in the squad by Tuchel.
The official squad announcement is set for 22 May, but it appears that his dream of playing in the tournament is over, unless there is a stunning U-turn in the coming day.
Why has Garner not made the squad?
Garner is simply a victim of the midfield depth at Tuchel’s disposal; he was always facing a struggle to make the final squad.
The Three Lions have the likes of Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo, Elliott Anderson and Jude Bellingham fighting for the same position, so it was going to be a hard fight for the Hill Dickinson Stadium star.
Big names such as Harry Maguire and Cole Palmer are also set to miss out, according to various reports, so Tuchel has had to make hard decisions all over the squad.
Garner will have to push harder to make the squad for the next tournament, it seems, which is the European Championships in 2028.
Whether he can convince the German manager, if he is still in his position for that competition, that he is a worthy option remains to be seen.
Right now, though, he will likely be disappointed if the reports are true and he is not called up to represent his nation on this occasion after he was heavily touted for a berth in the squad.
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