The Everton boss has been talking to the press about the form of his midfield star James Garner ahead of the trip to Newcastle United.
Everton star James Garner
Everton star James Garner(Image: Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
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David Moyes believes that Everton midfielder James Garner is knocking on the door for an international call-up thanks to his high level of form for the Blues this season.
Wirral-born Garner has been one of Everton's most consistent performers this season, making 23 appearances and scoring three goals in all competitions, whilst playing in a variety of positions.
The 24-year-old is statistically one of the highest-ranked midfielders in the Premier League, and now Blues boss Moyes thinks that his player could be deserving of Thomas Tuchel's attention with the England national team.
Moyes deployed Garner as a right-back against Manchester United, covering for the suspended Jake O’Brien. It was a decision that split opinion amongst Everton fans.
But when asked in his pre-match press conference on Friday, ahead of the trip to Newcastle United, how much of a risk it was moving him out of midfield, the Blues boss accepted the consequences.
He said: "It's a big risk, because we know he's so good in there. But sometimes you have to make these decisions and think what are the best options."
Assessing his overall performance this season, Moyes added: "I think James Garner has played really well this season. He is predominately a midfield player but he can play in several positions.. We had to play him left back at the start of the season in a couple of games when we didn't have anyone available. And we've had to put him right back as well because we think he's as good as anyone there.
"But in midfield, he has been excellent. I actually believe he is getting close to being the levels to play for his country so hopefully he can keep that up and he could possibly get selected."
Moyes' call for Garner's England consideration could hardly have come at a better time, with Tuchel already pondering who to include in his 26-man squad for the World Cup in Mexico, Canada and USA this summer.
The experiment at right-back seen against Man United is expected to be short-lived, with O'Brien available once more. His return should see Garner move back into his favoured midfield berth against the Magpies, who have won only once in their last six matches.
With Everton in ninth and Newcastle a point behind them in 11th, both sides still harbour European ambitions for next season and Moyes has made it clear that is very much the end game for his own team.
He said: "The games have been tight [this season]. I think it will remain tight all season. You could end up anywhere in those league positions. Every win is important. A defeat has been quite narrow.
"We're not ready to give up our ambition to make Europe. We're going to try and keep going for it. Why would we not? We're desperately trying to keep pushing.
"I think I said the other week that we need to win some really big games on the journey, and we've got a big one coming up against Newcastle tomorrow."
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