Gareth Southgate had one Everton player on his radar as England manager, and now is his time for a call-up.
David Moyes will want many players to represent the Toffees on the international stage at the 2026 World Cup.
So far, there is good credibility being built in the squad with Jordan Pickford, an England mainstay, and Iliman Ndiaye also impressing for Senegal.
There are other names, and others who are waiting for their call-up, or a return in Jack Grealish’s case.
But this one Everton player is destined for his chance, as Gareth Southgate came very close to giving him a shot at England.
James Garner of Everton applauds after the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Gareth Southgate wanted to add Everton’s James Garner to England squad
There has been plenty of talk about James Garner this season, as the 24-year-old has been an integral part of Moyes’ squad.
His performances have caught the eye, with Garner proving Everton fans wrong after he was doubted about his place in the squad.
But Southgate was someone who saw his promise before his success so far this campaign, as the Daily Mail revealed in February 2024, that the former England boss was planning a call-up for Garner.
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He was being ‘monitored’ after his displays under Sean Dyche, but it looks like under Moyes, he’s reached a new level.
Although Southgate was a fan of the midfielder, it might have been too early to suggest it was deserved with the Toffees fighting relegation.
But now under the Scot, it’s clear that Garner is ready for the step-up.
James Garner now deserves his England call-up after his form at Everton
Moyes built many success stories in his first spell as Everton manager, and Garner can become one in his second stint.
The versatile star has excelled in both the middle of the park and left-back, as he doesn’t look out of place in the slightest, which would be a useful tool for England.
Garner is happy to play at left-back, and anywhere by the sounds of it, as his numbers have been top-notch in the Premier League.
Statistics Rank
Games played 4
Chances created per 90 1.50
Tackles won % 90%
Duels won per 90 4.00
Recoveries 15
James Garner’s Premier League statistics for Everton in 2025/26 season, as per FotMob
The former Man United man has been the most consistent performer from the Toffees’ dressing room, as Garner wants his England call-up, in a clear message to Thomas Tuchel.
After Southgate looked into the prospect of his England debut, surely his name is still circling around St. George’s Park, as it’s exactly what he deserves after his efforts.