Everton fans received brilliant news on Friday as it was announced that James Garner had made the England squad for the first time ever.
The former Manchester United midfielder had previously made 18 appearances for the England U21 side, but after blossoming at Everton under David Moyes, Thomas Tuchel has now given him a maiden call-up to the senior team.
Not only is that fantastic news for James Garner and Everton, but it may also help The Friedkin Group in their pursuit of Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Dewsbury-Hall deserves to be in the England squad with Garner, do you agree? 🤔
FIVE goalkeepers have been included for some reason! 😡
James Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall celebrate
Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport via Getty Images
Why James Garner receiving an England call-up can help Everton sign Myles Lewis-Skelly
The Toffees are huge admirers of Lewis-Skelly and feel the England international would be a fine addition at left-back, after he slipped down the pecking order at Arsenal and also amid doubts over the future of Vitalii Mykolenko at Everton.
The Arsenal No.49 was firmly in the thoughts of Tuchel last season as he started regularly under Mikel Arteta for Arsenal, and even netted the first goal scored by England under the German in a 2-0 win over Albania at Wembley.
However, Lewis-Skelly has fallen behind Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori in the pecking order this season, leading Tuchel to ignore him for the September squad, and now again for the international break in March.
It should show the 19-year-old that he needs a fresh start elsewhere and regular playing time to get back into the England side.
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Garner himself already took that plunge in September 2022 when leaving Manchester United for Everton.
The 25-year-old potentially felt he was taking a step down at that time, and was harming his England chances by leaving a global giant in Manchester United, with all due respect to Everton.
However, Garner – who saw Bruno Fernandes respond to his England inclusion – is living proof that you can still play for the Three Lions even while not at a juggernaut club partaking in UEFA competitions.
Is James Garner actually better as a full-back or in midfield? 🤔
He's been exceptional just about all season for the Blues!
James Garner of Everton reacts during the Premier League match between Everton and Brighton and Hove Albion at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Credit: Getty Images/Clive Mason.
In that respect, the fact the Everton No.37 has now been recognised could well tempt Lewis-Skelly to follow in his footsteps.
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