Gary Lineker has made an eye-catching comparison between Everton and England midfielder James Garner and Manchester United target Elliot Anderson amid his World Cup prediction.
Thomas Tuchel was impressed with James Garner on his England debut and hailed the ex-Manchester United midfielder as his side’s answer to Federico Valverde.
Garner crossed paths with Real Madrid and Uruguay midfielder Federico Valverde in the Three Lions’ 1-1 draw at Wembley in their March international friendly match.
The 25-year-old United youth academy product climbed off the bench in the second half and replaced midfielder Kobbie Mainoo for his Three Lions debut on the day.
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James Garner during the international friendly match between England and Uruguay at Wembley Stadium in London, England.
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Which Man Utd player has most chance of playing for England at the World Cup?
James Garner vs Elliot Anderson? Gary Lineker drops his verdict amid his prediction for the former Man Utd talent
Manager Thomas Tuchel is spoiled for choice with the stacked England midfield options ahead of the Three Lions’ 2026 World Cup campaign in North America.
Kobbie Mainoo has even climbed back into the England fold amid the likes of James Garner, Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton all competing for places now.
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Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Gary Lineker reacted to Micah Richards’ huge praise for Garner after the Everton midfielder’s first appearance for England.
Micah Richards admitted that he would take Garner to the World Cup and Lineker said that the ex-Manchester United player could be another option for Anderson.
“He could, you know, be an alternative pivot because I think Anderson might be the man for that spot,” Lineker suggested.
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Micah Richards reacts to Gary Lineker’s James Garner vs Elliot Anderson call for England’s 2026 World Cup campaign
Garner has been able to make a real name for himself away from Old Trafford after United sanctioned his sale to Premier League club Everton in 2022 for a £9m fee.
The Toffees player is tipped to make Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup and Richards expects him to feature for the Three Lions in North America this summer.
“Yeah, yeah, I think he’s good enough to play for England,” Micah Richards said in response to Lineker.
“You see, technically, he’s good enough and physically, he can get around the pitch.
“So yeah, I would take him for sure. Yeah. Without doubt.”
England will host Japan at Wembley on Tuesday evening for the Three Lions’ final international friendly in the March break, with kick-off slated for 7:45pm UK time.
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