Everton are starting to build more of an international pedigree, and one star might have been overlooked.
The unfortunate thing about becoming a better squad is that players are more likely to get called up to their national set-up.
David Moyes already has the dilemma with the African Cup of Nations in the winter, which will see Idrissa Gana Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye unavailable.
Because of this, Moyes could recall Harrison Armstrong in January, but in terms of other England players, there could be a few in Thomas Tuchel’s reckoning.
Louis Saha thinks Jack Grealish can return to England, but it’s quite clear he’s not the only one who might have a chance at Everton.
Everton star James Garner.
Photo by Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar Via Getty Images
Everton’s James Garner is one of the most overperforming English players in Europe
A player who is finally proving his worth in the Royal Blue of Everton is James Garner.
Moyes has hailed Garner as ‘fabulous’ as the 24-year-old has been one of the best players at the Toffees this season.
His displays for the club have led to WhoScored ratings revealing him as one of the 11 most overperforming English players across Europe, alongside his teammates, Grealish, Jordan Pickford, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
But it will be Garner’s name that is a real surprise, and Tuchel could have a role for the former Man United man after all.
James Garner could be taken as a left-back for England’s World Cup
There is one dilemma currently in Tuchel’s squad, and that is the lack of a consistent left-back.
Of course, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Luke Shaw will be the main names, but Shaw’s injury issues and Lewis-Skelly’s inexperience could see the Three Lions manager turn to other options.
This could be in the form of the Everton midfielder, as Garner is enjoying playing left-back, and he flourished there in the 2-0 win against Brighton.
Minutes played 90
Goals 1
Passing accuracy % 77%
Chances created 2
defensive contribtions 16
FotMob rating 8.4
James Garner’s statistics in Everton 2-0 Brighton, as per FotMob
His chances in the central midfield position will be tough with the plethora of options available to Tuchel, so why not give him a call-up as a left-back, especially with him being the best English player in this position at the moment.
Garner is proving Everton fans wrong after his previous criticisms, and if his performances continue, who says an England call-up isn’t deserved?