Micah Richards was asked about James Garner’s chances of making England’s 2026 World Cup squad after the former Manchester United player’s debut for the Three Lions.
James Garner earned a call-up to the England squad for the March international break after impressing with Everton under manager David Moyes this season.
The 25-year-old Everton midfielder, who came through the Manchester United youth academy, made his debut for England under Thomas Tuchel last Friday.
England boss Thomas Tuchel turned to Garner in the second half and brought the Everton star on for Kobbie Mainoo in the 70th minute against Uruguay at Wembley.
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James Garner looks on during the international friendly match between England and Uruguay at Wembley Stadium in 2026 in London, England.
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Kobbie Mainoo playing for England against Uruguay
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Micah Richards thinks former Man Utd midfielder James Garner has a real chance of heading to the World Cup with England
James Garner enjoyed a steady second-half cameo on his England debut in the Three Lions’ 1-1 draw against Uruguay in their March international friendly.
Thomas Tuchel selected a 35-man squad for the March break and received the opportunity to explore all of his England options ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
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Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Gary Lineker presented Alan Shearer and Micah Richards with a fan-submitted question about Garner after his England debut.
Alan Shearer and Richards were asked about Garner’s display against Uruguay and whether or not the ex-Manchester United midfielder ‘deserves to be on the plane.’
“I love Garner,” Richards said.
“I just, what’s his best position? He said he’s versatile, which is good for an England camp.
“But for Everton this season, he’s been extraordinary. Everything, whether it be tackles, passes, creativity. He’s just the main man in that midfield, isn’t he? So yes, I would take him.”
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Alan Shearer echoes Micah Richards’ sentiments about England star James Garner heading to the World Cup with the Three Lions
Garner only made seven Manchester United first-team appearances before the England international was sold to Everton in 2022 for an initial fee of £9m.
Alan Shearer, much like Sky Sports pundit Richards, was impressed with what Garner showed for England in last Friday’s draw against Uruguay at Wembley.
“I think he was one of the few that came out with credit in the game the other night against Uruguay,” he said.
“And he’s having a brilliant season. So, I think he will go up to the World Cup. And I think he’s a very, very talented player.”
United’s deal with Premier League side Everton over midfield talent Garner could rise to £15m if different add-ons were met during his spell with the Toffees.
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