James Garner has been speaking about his chances of making the England World Cup squad ahead of Everton's Premier League game against Bournemouth
James Garner before Everton's Premier League win over Nottingham Forest
James Garner before Everton's Premier League win over Nottingham Forest(Image: (Andrew Kearns - CameraSport via Getty Images))
View 2 Images
James Garner believes his Everton form is playing him into England consideration ahead of the World Cup. Garner is no stranger to representing his country, as he was a member of Lee Carsley's victorious European Under-21 Championship-winning squad back in 2023.
The 24-year-old was signed from his boyhood club Manchester United for an initial £9million in August 2022, and his commitment to Everton’s cause cannot be doubted. Although his preferred position is in the middle of midfield, he has often played at right-back when required, and he has previously spoken about the fact he believes he could step up to Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
And Garner did his chances of a call-up no harm at the weekend as he once again impressed in Everton’s 2-1 victory over Fulham with Tuchel watching on from the stands at Craven Cottage.
"I am glad that we won,” Garner told BBC Sport when asked about Tuchel being in attendance. “I am just playing as best as I can at the moment and helping the team. If the manager was here, then that helps me. I have touched on it before.
"I am a very realistic person and if you would have asked me 12 months ago, I would have said I'm miles off it, but this season, if I keep these performances up, I don't think there's any reason why I can't be in and around it."
Everton’s unbeaten run on the road looked set to end after Vitalii Mykolenko scored an unfortunate 18th-minute own goal before Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall levelled after 75 minutes and then his corner was punched into his own net by Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
"We needed it. It was a poor first half, we knew that," Garner said, reflecting on the win. "We needed to go out there in the second half and put on a performance and that's what we did."
Everton players celebrate their winning goal against Fulham at Craven Cottage on February 7, 2026
Everton players celebrate their winning goal against Fulham at Craven Cottage on February 7, 2026(Image: Tony McArdle/Everton FC Official Photography Library/SmartFrame)
View 2 Images
Asked about his side's improvements in the second half, the midfielder added: "We just played more like how we should. We were on the front foot and didn't let them breathe.
“We were man for man everywhere. I don't remember them having a passage of play for the whole second half and that's how we need to start from the first minute. We have the players to be able to do that from minute one."
Garner also spoke of his relief that his side's winner against Marco Silva's side was allowed to stand despite protests from Fulham's players and supporters.
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings
"I have not seen it back, but from what I did see, I am glad that the referee has not given a foul because I think keepers are way too protected," he said.
"They have the advantage and are protected so much. The fact that the referee has not blown – I think he has done very well, from what I've seen."
The Royal Blue podcast logo
The Royal Blue podcast logo