One player cut short his holiday in Turkey after a late England call-up from Thomas Tuchel.
England Men Training Session
James Garner cut short his holiday in Turkey to join up with the squad (Image: Getty)
James Garner had barely settled into his hotel room before his holiday was brought to an abrupt end. The Everton midfielder received an England call-up just as he was checking into his accommodation in Bodrum, Turkey, where he had planned a break with his partner. "I had just arrived so it was a very short holiday," said Garner, 25.
"I came back the day after. I got to my hotel room at half twelve at night, which is what, half ten here, and I left the next day. I slept, had the morning in the sun and left." Garner is attempting to secure a refund, though recreating Morgan Gibbs-White's social media video of him departing his own holiday was never on the cards. "No. That's not me," he smiled. Measured, courteous and modest by nature, Garner's enthusiasm is unmistakable when the subject turns to pulling on an England shirt.
Harry Kane planning to quit football for new sport as he causes surprise
He earned his first call-up back in March, made a positive impression on Thomas Tuchel, yet narrowly fell short of securing a place in the World Cup squad.
Undeterred, he has remained guided by perseverance ever since he opted to leave Manchester United, where he came through the academy, eventually finding his home at Everton as a first-team regular.
Much like the current situation, he wasn't included in the original Nations League squad, but wasted no time in grasping the opportunity when it arose following late withdrawals.
Garner said: "I am a big believer that everything happens for a reason. When I left they signed three or four midfielders, world class ones. Had I stayed I wouldn't have been where I am today so I am more than happy that I left.
"I think it was the perfect thing for me to do. I've never been shy of going into a more uncomfortable place.
"I went on loan three times, I went to Watford and then twice to Nottingham, so I moved early and moved down to London and to Nottingham, so I wasn't worried about moving at all, changing scenery or anything that.
"For me, it was just about playing games and Everton was the perfect choice at that point. I didn't just want to fizzle into the background and just sit on the bench and stuff like that.
Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
England v Uruguay - International Friendly
James Garner is hoping to establish himself as an England regular (Image: Getty)
"I wanted to go into a team where I felt like I had a chance to fight for my position and that's what I have done in the past three or four years."
Those performances have firmly thrust Garner into England contention. He impressed in March against Uruguay, when Three Lions boss Tuchel likened him to a "mini Valverde", drawing comparisons with Real Madrid icon Federico.
The comparison also stems from their shared versatility, with Garner equally capable of operating at right back — and perhaps hints that both players are somewhat underappreciated. Yes, even the Real Madrid superstar.
Garner said: "Yeah, it's a good comparison to have because in my opinion he's one of the best midfielders in the world. To be compared to him is a very good comparison.
"There's probably a little bit of similarities in terms of he plays in different positions – midfield, he's played on the wing, he's played right-back, basically the exact same as me so to be compared to someone like that is good.
"I think you wouldn't really call him a household name, would you? But players who have played the game, they know how good he is, and he does a very good job in whatever position he plays.
"So, like I said, I watch a lot of football. I watch all the Champions League games and he always stands out, so, yeah, I would go as far as saying that he's underrated."
Garner is equally keen to carve out his own reputation. Yet while his parents know him as James, his team-mates have always called him Jimmy.
Garner added: "Because my name is James, isn't it. It's a nickname really. My mum and dad call me James, and that's what it says on my birth certificate. James.
"But because I moved to Manchester so early, the lads just kind of gave me the name of Jimmy and it just stuck. There are a lot of Jameses, so if there are two Jameses, I'll go with Jimmy. That's fine."