Everton midfielder James Garner has described his first England call-up as a defining moment in his career, after a season of personal resurgence. The 25-year-old received the news in a phone call from head coach Thomas Tuchel last week, keeping it to himself for a day before telling his family.
Garner, who has impressed for David Moyes's side this season, said: 'I told myself at the start of the season that this season has to be the season that I can show everyone what I can do and I think so far I have done.' England face Uruguay on Friday and Japan on Tuesday, offering Garner two chances to make his international debut.
The midfielder has overcome two serious back injuries since joining Everton, which he said hampered his progress. 'Since I signed for Everton I’ve had quite unlucky spells with two serious back injuries so that obviously put me out for a long time,' he explained. 'Then obviously the first three years we’ve been fighting in the relegation zone so it’s been quite tough for me to really showcase what I can do.'
Garner has been a key player for Everton, who sit eighth in the Premier League, and has shown versatility by playing as a right-back and as a set-piece specialist. His adaptability could work in his favour when Tuchel names his 26-man World Cup squad.
The former Manchester United academy player has represented England at youth levels from under-17s to under-21s, winning the Under-21 European Championship in 2023 alongside James Trafford and Cole Palmer, who are also in the current senior squad. 'I just want to go that one step further now and hopefully win a trophy for the first team as well,' Garner said.
Garner, who comes from a Liverpool-supporting family, hopes his father will travel from Thailand to watch him at Wembley. 'My dad’s very proud. Phoning him this time about England rather than a club that he doesn’t support is very nice,' he added.
