Everton star Jack Grealish has had a superb rebirth to his career after joining on loan earlier in the season – but Alan Stubbs believes there is one other star who is more likely to gain a call-up before the World Cup.
Jordan Pickford seems a certain for the England squad after being their starting goalkeeper in each of the last four tournaments, and having never let the Three Lions down, he’s a banker to line up between the sticks.
But there are other Everton men aiming to find their way into the team. James Tarkowski has an extremely minuscule chance having made his debut almost eight years ago, whilst Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall could be a slight chance for the squad if his form picks up.
Jarrad Branthwaite is the obvious shout if he can return from injury soon enough, but Alan Stubbs believes that James Garner has a higher chance than any budding international to get into Thomas Tuchel’s final squad.
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Alan Stubbs thinks James Garner could end up on the England plane
Alan Stubbs never garnered an England cap, which is quite unfortunate considering he captained Everton to the most successful league finish they’ve had since the 1980s when qualifying for the Champions League.
But Stubbs does have enough nous to think that Garner could make Thomas Tuchel’s squad in the summer if his form continues, despite not being in the frame at present.
Speaking on the ‘A View From The Bullens’ podcast, Stubbs said: “I think the form of the wingers who have been playing is good.
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“So Jack has just got to just keep doing what he’s doing. I think the one closer than anyone is probably James Garner.
“But if you look at that position, with Declan Rice and [Elliot] Anderson doing well, it’s difficult.”
Garner’s versatility could be a major reason for his inclusion come the summer and he’s made a strong start to the season.
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Jack Grealish may still have a better chance of making the World Cup than James Garner
Although Garner has been performing extremely well and does have an outside chance of making the World Cup squad, it’s likely that Grealish will still have a better chance of playing in North America.
Grealish already has tournament experience with England, having played at Euro 2020 and scoring at World Cup 2022, giving him invaluable nous when it comes to potentially winning the trophy with the Three Lions.
It’s clear that Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon are favoured ahead of him by Thomas Tuchel, but Grealish has hit good form and could be a real asset if he was to travel with the squad to North America.
Gordon and Rashford are direct, pacy wingers who look straight for goal, but Grealish is more creative, biding his time for the right opportunity. That could be crucial when searching for a late goal, winning free kicks and clipping balls into the box for Harry Kane to capitalise upon.
Garner still has a shot but with other stars such as Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson, Curtis Jones and more simply vying for the backup spots alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.