HP Terbaru 2023 – The Everton man eyeing a surprise World Cup call up

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By Ross Kilvington

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Could James Garner follow in their footsteps this summer and become a shock inclusion to Thomas Tuchel’s travelling party for North America?

The Everton midfielder has impressed under David Moyes this season with the Toffees outside challengers for a European spot. Something that looked unlikely before the campaign began.

Garner has started every single game for the Merseyside outfit this term, becoming Moyes’ fulcrum at the heart of the midfield in the process.

During a vital 1-0 win against Manchester United in December, Tuchel was present at the game and was even spotted having words with Garner, parting with a handshake.

Simply offering praise for another superb display? Or perhaps something more? Who knows.

What we do know, however, is that Garner is in the form of his life. Which, quite conveniently, is coming at precisely the right time with a World Cup just months away.

Garner has been Everton’s shining light this season

Earlier this season, Jack Grealish received most of the plaudits after beginning his loan spell in excellent fashion.

While the Man City loanee was showcasing his talents in the final third, Garner was shining in the middle of the pitch.

The Englishman has offered plenty in the opposition half, scoring twice for the Toffees and chipping in with three assists across his 24 Premier League games.

His three assists rank him second behind Grealish at the club, proving that he offers more than just defensively solidity to this Everton side.

When compared to his midfield peers in the top flight, Garner is among the best in his position across a range of metrics.

Indeed, the 24-year-old ranks in the top 3% for tackles (74) and interceptions (35), the top 5% for recoveries (125) and also in the top 5% for duels won (133) for Everton throughout this campaign.

One of his most impressive performances of late came during a wonderful 1-0 victory over Aston Villa.

Not only did he receive the highest FotMob match rating of 8.6, but the midfielder also made the most tackles (7), interceptions (4) and recoveries (14) out of anyone during the match.

His 29 total defensive contributions were a remarkable 17 more than Jake O’Brien, who ranked second for this metric.

“We tried to nullify what they are good at, which is playing through the middle. We tried to block off all the passing lanes and force it wide. Then, we waited for our moment and won it back.” Garner explained after the victory and it was evident that his success, especially from a defensive viewpoint, was the pivotal factor in Everton’s win.

In their last game against Brighton, Garner once again registered the most defensive actions out of any player across game with 19.

As a result of his displays this term, Garner has signed a new contract at Everton until 2030 in what is a major statement of intent from Moyes and the board.

Despite never receiving an England call-up previously, it is certainly hard to ignore the noise surrounding his performances recently.

We know Tuchel has watched him, and indeed spoken to the midfielder, but just what could Garner offer the national team?

Suited for England?

With the World Cup expanding to 48 teams from 2026 onwards – meaning an extra round of matches – there has been talk of squad sizes being increased from 26 to 30 players.

If so, this could be good news for Garner, especially considering his form over the last few months.

Tuchel has a plethora of attacking options to pick from heading into the tournament, but could there be space for someone like Garner? Especially as Moyes operates with the same 4-2-3-1 system that the German has utilised for England since taking over the job.

Declan Rice’s place in the starting XI is pretty much guaranteed, with Elliot Anderson featuring alongside the Arsenal star in England’s previous four competitive matches while using a 4-2-3-1 formation.

You could make a case that Garner is more influential for his club side than Anderson. Indeed, the Everton midfielder has not only registered more goal contributions in the Premier League this term (five vs. three), but he has also registered more shots per 90 (1.46 vs 0.83) and committed fewer fouls (22 vs 34) than the Nottingham Forest starlet.

Furthermore, Garner makes more tackles per 90 (3.1 vs 2.8) than Anderson, while averaging more interceptions (1.5 vs 1.3) and helping his side concede fewer goals (1.2 vs 1.5) per 90 this season.

Of course, Anderson offers plenty of other qualities and has been superb for Forest this term, hence the fact he has already won six caps for England.

Tuchel will name his squad for the friendlies against Japan and Uruguay on March 20. Between now and then, Everton play six matches in the top flight.

This gives Garner an ample chance to continue his great form and prove to Tuchel that he deserves to receive his maiden international call-up.

Approaching 25, the midfielder is moving into his peak years and he can offer plenty to the national side as they aim to end a 60-year wait for a second World Cup trophy.

If he continues in this vein, a World Cup berth is the least that Garner deserves.

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(Cover image from IMAGO)

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