View: Everton star could be the wildcard Thomas Tuchel never knew he needed for England

James Garner could be the left of field pick that England need ahead of this summer’s World Cup after the Everton star’s first international call-up.

Garner and Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele were one of two uncapped players named in Thomas Tuchel’s expanded 35-man England squad for their March international camp.

That group will be whittled down to 26 before the Three Lions head off to North America, as England prepare for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan on 27 and 31 March, respectively.

Garner has been rewarded for his impressive season at Everton, with the former Manchester United star being a mainstay in David Moyes’ midfield.

And because of the talents at his disposal, it may be a prudent move to take Everton ace Garner to this summer’s tournament as they seek to end 60 years of World Cup hurt.

James Garner leads the way among Everton players

In Friday’s announcement, keen-eyed viewers would have seen that only three players who were in Tuchel’s last England squad in November have missed out this time around.

They are Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott and Chelsea defenders Trevoh Chalobah and Reece James, both of whom are injured.

Scott’s form is a good barometer for Garner. The Everton man has created 10 big chances to the Bournemouth ace’s three, and Garner leads him for interceptions (1.6 vs 1.1) and tackles made (3 vs 1.6) per game.

Garner also has the edge with clearances per match (2.5 vs 2.2) and ground duels won (62 per cent vs 57 per cent).

And as this Sofascore graphic shows below, Garner is going from strength to strength, and this England call-up rewards that hard work.

He leads the way in a number of metrics among Everton players, including for shots per game, big chances created and interceptions, showing three different sides to his game.

Garner, 24, will now hope to make his England debut next week, but even if he doesn’t this time out, the fact that he is in Tuchel’s thinking is a big step forward.

Garner set to get chance to showcase talents to Thomas Tuchel

This is something of an experimental England squad, with a large handful set to not be picked for this summer’s World Cup.

Garner’s form has merited an England call-up at Scott’s expense, but he will be competing with the likes of Elliot Anderson, Jordan Henderson, Kobbie Mainoo, and Adam Wharton for a spot at this showpiece competition.

Nottingham Forest’s Anderson has been a favourite under Tuchel, while experienced head Henderson has impressed at Brentford, and Manchester United’s Mainoo is back in the fold, too.

Incidentally, last Saturday, Garner showed both sides of his game, as he shored up Everton’s defensive structure for much of the Arsenal contest, while also threading balls through the lines to tee up his side’s attack.

Time and time again this season, Garner has delivered in big games, which will help his chances of the ultimate England call.

Garner was highly rated at United but it never really worked out. He is flourishing at Everton and reaping all the benefits that come with it. Indeed, he could be the wildcard Tuchel needs this summer.

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