Everton manager David Moyes was asked about James Garner being selected by England for the first time at his press conference to preview the Premier League match at home to Chelsea
David Moyes is thrilled for Everton midfielder James Garner, who has won his first England call-up
David Moyes has said he is thrilled for James Garner after the Everton midfielder received his first senior England call-up.
Garner has started each of the Blues’ 30 Premier League matches this season, impressing in both midfield and at full-back.
Speaking with the media ahead of Saturday’s clash with Chelsea at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton boss Moyes when asked about Garner’s selection said: “I hoped he’d select Scotland instead of England! But no, I’m thrilled for Jimmy.
“He’s played well enough to be selected, absolutely. He’s been very good all season.”
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The 25-year-old was named in Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions squad this morning (Friday) alongside Everton team-mate Jordan Pickford and former Blue Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
In a team that is defying expectations this season, Garner’s outstanding performances have been a highlight.
“I think he’s just matured a lot more and gained a lot more confidence,” Moyes, a proud Scotsman, explained. “I don’t think it was ever in doubt, he was always a good player, Jimmy.
“But I think to step up to the level required to be an international player, you have to really show good things. Probably more importantly for him, the level of competition to get into the central midfield position for England is so high.
“So great credit to him and [it’s] great for Everton Football Club as well.”
Since Moyes returned to Merseyside in January last year, Garner has missed just two league matches – the first two of his tenure, when the Manchester United academy graduate had a back injury.
The Glaswegian is clearly a huge fan of the player, and he says his versatility is so important nowadays.
Moyes said: “I think he’s probably a No.8 but really I think there might be a future for Jimmy to be a good No.6 as well. So I think he can do both those jobs.
“He’s done brilliantly well, he’s had to fill in at full-back, when we’ve had suspensions and injuries. I think the modern day footballer nowadays probably has to be a little bit more flexible than maybe in the past.
“I think maybe just being able to do one role might have been fine, but I think the players of this generation are expected to be able to play different roles.
“Jimmy’s been great, [he] fully warrants his call-up.”
England manager Tuchel said of Garner: “[He’s] a bit of an underrated player. He plays several positions. I’ve been impressed, watching him live, by his work rate and physicality.
“He is a fantastic team-mate and does a lot to help those around him.”