James Garner: The 65.7% stat that proves why Thomas Tuchel fast-tracked Everton star into England squad
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(Credit: Imago) Fri 20 March 2026 20:45, UK James Garner has been handed his first England first-team call-up ahead of the upcoming international break.For many, the Everton star was a surprise call-up, with the midfielder often going under the radar at his club.However, this season, the 25-year-old has emerged as David Moyes’ most consistent star.Garner’s versatility and excellent all-around game have been key to keeping Everton in the battle for European football, and now, this has obviously caught the eye of Thomas Tuchel.Below, Football Insider explore the stats behind the sensational Everton star, and examines what he can offer England. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES James Garner is an emerging Premier League starGarner moved to Everton in 2022 after a few first-team appearances for Manchester United.The former Red Devils academy product was quick to adapt to life in Merseyside and was made a squad player.James Garner fact file Place of birthBirkenhead, Merseyside, EnglandAge 25Height Six foot zero inchesPositions Central midfielder, defensive midfielder, left-back, right-backClubs played for Manchester United, Watford (loan), Nottingham Forest (loan), EvertonGarner has already made a name for himself at multiple clubsHowever, the current campaign has been the biggest breakthrough in his abilities yet, with Garner starting in every one of Everton’s Premier League matches so far.For Moyes, the 25-year-old’s versatility has been critical throughout some tricky periods regarding squad availability.Despite being a natural central-midfielder, he can be deployed as a right-back and left-back, playing in the former role against Arsenal last weekend.Yet, while this may hamper the development of many upcoming stars, Garner has managed to thrive.According to Fotmob on 20 March, the midfielder has multiple outstanding stats.Per 90 minutes, he is averaging 0.07 goals, 0.17 assists, 1.34 shots, 1.44 chances created and 1.34 successful crosses.Credit: ImagoOn top of this, his defensive ability is excellent, winning 62.7 per cent of his duels and 65.7 per cent of his aerial duels.This has made him a highly reliable player at both ends of the pitch, something Tuchel knows he can utilise.England currently lacks in-form full-backs, shown in the call-up of Djed Spence.
Therefore, not only does Garner provide competition in this area, but he can also do the same for the midfield.His creative play is also something that will be welcomed by Tuchel, with his ability in possession having the potential to make a big impact at any point in the match.What has Garner said about the England call-up?The call-up will come as little surprise to former Everton, Aston Villa and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, who exclusively told Football Insider that Garner has been “outstanding” this campaign last month.Evidently, it was not too much of a shock for the Everton star as well.🏴 Instant reaction with James Garner following his @England call-up. pic.twitter.com/DtjIWom2Bx— Everton (@Everton) March 20, 2026 Taking to X after the news broke, Garner insisted that he was confident it would come eventually.He said: “I was very confident it was going to come just on the basis that I’ve had a good season, so I finally got my chance, and it’s a dream come true.” 🔵 Everton FC Master Hub 🔵 The definitive digital directory for the Toffees. Track the Friedkin era, Finch Farm fitness updates, and the transition to the New Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
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