James Garner will want to produce yet another superb performance for Everton on Saturday evening when Newcastle United travel to the Hill Dickinson Stadium – and for a good number of reasons.
James Garner has been a revelation at Everton this season, performing well across the park in both central midfield and as a makeshift right-back, scoring once and registering two assists for the Toffees in the Premier League.
Garner has been an ever-present this season, with James Tarkowski being the only other outfield player to have matched him in that regard at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
But despite links to Saturday’s opponents Newcastle United, there will be other reasons why he’s gunning for a strong performance, with Garner having a point to prove for an England space.
Everton midfielder James Garner.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
James Garner will want to prove Newcastle right as England call-up appears in sight
James Garner was linked with a move to Newcastle United earlier in the season, alongside a potential switch to Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.
The midfielder has now racked up 88 Premier League appearances at the age of just 24, and despite his contract ending at the end of the campaign, Everton do boast a year-long extension option to keep him at the Hill Dickinson Stadium until the end of next season.
Thomas Tuchel finally recognises James Garner and Jack Grealish after Everton’s win over Man United
Garner will surely now want to double down on his importance not only at Everton, but in the Premier League.
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The Magpies do have an admittedly strong midfield trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali, all of whom are fan favourites on Tyneside, and Garner would initially find it tough to break into that cohort if he was to make the move up north.
But if he can topple one of the Premier League’s best midfield threes, it will be a huge credit to himself and that will only play into his hands over the coming weeks, and for Everton’s chances of qualifying for Europe.
James Garner could give his England chances a boost on Saturday evening
That will give Garner the hunger to improve upon himself.
If he can deal with the physicality of the Magpies’ midfield trio, a strong performance against Newcastle would be important for his England chances.
Who would you drop between James Garner and Idrissa Gana Gueye if Everton signed Conor Gallagher?
Conor Gallagher has scored more Premier League goals (18) than James Garner and Idrissa Gana Gueye combined (11).
Thomas Tuchel took a clear look at Garner in Monday’s 1-0 win over Manchester United, even speaking to the midfielder at the end of the famous victory, and getting one over Newcastle would give his chances of making the World Cup squad a real boost.
Garner is likely to line up alongside Tim Iroegbunam in the centre of the park after Idrissa Gueye’s red card and as the most experienced midfielder of the two, the impetus will be on him to make his chance count.
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