Everton midfielder James Garner played 69 minutes in his senior debut for England against Uruguay.
Thomas Tuchel was impressed with Garner during their first few days working together at St. George’s Park.
So much so that Garner was given the nod in the starting XI alongside Jordan Henderson in the England midfield.
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James Garner makes his England debut vs Uruguay at Wembley Stadium.
Credit: Getty Images/Justin Setterfield
After an impressive campaign for Everton, the 25-year-old showed what he was capable of as the national media shared their thoughts.
England v Uruguay - International Friendly
Photo by Alex Davidson – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Garner credited David Moyes for his England call-up, but the midfielder deserved all the credit for his showing against Uruguay.
“Did not look out of place on his England debut. Little to do but did nothing wrong before being replaced with 20 minutes to go,” said iNews as they handed out a 6/10 rating.
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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.
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“Not the Everton midfielder’s fault, just a role that required the bare minimum on a night where Uruguay did not have a single shot on target while he was on the pitch.”
Henderson was replaced at half-time, with Garner then handed the opportunity to play alongside Adam Wharton.
“The Everton man can be very happy with his first England display,” said BBC Sport, with another 6/10 rating.
“A match that did not have the intensity of a competitive game but Garner did what he needed to do. He was given the duty of taking set-pieces on his England debut which is a compliment.”
Wayne Rooney thinks Garner should go to the World Cup and his performance at Wembley will only have impressed Tuchel.
“Took responsibility for set-pieces and looked eager to impress. Good passing. Decent,” wrote John Cross for The Mirror.
Garner shows Everton versatility for England
Playing in the central midfield role, Garner often found himself pulling out towards the left-back position, where he covered the attack-minded Djed Spence.
It was also noteworthy that Garner was entrusted to take corners, with his deliveries causing constant issues for the South American side.
Lee Carsley has backed Garner’s England call-up having previously worked with him in the U21s set-up.
It was an all-round performance from the Everton man, who offered six defensive contributions as well as showing his creative side through four key passes.
Garner’s minutes in the second half were not quite as strong, but he showed enough to impress the German manager on the sideline.
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