**Everton’s James Garner has earned a surprise recall to the England squad.**
Garner [received his first senior international for March’s friendlies with Japan and Uruguay](https://www.clickliverpool.com/sport/everton-fc/64393-james-garner-handed-first-senior-england-call-up/), making a debut in the latter and being awarded Player of the Match.
He only missed out on a place in his country’s World Cup squad over the summer due to a late-season resurgence by Manchester United counterpart Kobbie Mainoo.
The midfielder was initially left out by Thomas Tuchel’s side for their Nations League fixtures with Spain, Croatia and a double header against the Czech Republic.
But Garner will now link up with Blues teammates Jordan Pickford and Jarrad Branthwaite in the Three Lions’ squad after a series of high-profile withdrawals.
Mainoo, Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Marcus Rashford and Tino Livramento all dropped out of the national side on Monday with suspected injury problems.
Their absences have opened the door for Garner and Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White to be drafted back into the squad for the extended international break.
Since overcoming a groin injury in the summer, the 25-year-old has remained an ever-present for David Moyes’ side, featuring in all seven games this season.