James Garner Aims for World Cup Glory

Everton's Garner gets England call-up

James Garner's impressive season with Everton earns him a spot in England's squad for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. Garner is eyeing World Cup glory with England's senior squad after being called up for the first time.

“We're in a very physical era of the game in the Premier League and an era where set-pieces...”

James Garner is aiming high, eyeing World Cup glory with England's senior squad after being called up for the first time. The Everton midfielder's inclusion in Thomas Tuchel's extended squad for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan is a big opportunity for him.

Garner's been given a shot at making the finals in the US, Canada, and Mexico, and he's set on making the most of it. His England under-21 triumph is a great foundation, and he's looking to replicate that success on the bigger stage.

Joshua Garner's impressive season with Everton has earned him a spot in the squad, and the 25-year-old is now eyeing a shot at the biggest stage in football. Having won the 2023 European Championship with England's under-21s, Garner's aiming to take on the world.

A proud moment.

James Garner on his first #ThreeLions call-up 🦁

— England (@England) March 24, 2026

“For me personally, that was probably one of the best feelings I've ever had winning the Euros with the under-21s,” Garner told reporters.

“So I just want to go one step further now, hopefully win a trophy for the first team as well.

“I'd hope my call-up would come. I felt, personally, I've had a good season, and it's probably the best I've playing since I started, so I was very confident and hoping I would get the call up and I am very grateful that I did.

“I told myself that at the start of the season that it has to be this season where I show everyone what I can do. I think so far I have done.”

Garner's got a chance to make a lasting impression, but he's part of a split squad, with some players leaving after Friday's Uruguay friendly at Wembley, and new faces joining for the Japan game on Tuesday.

Asked how long he would be involved, Garner replied: “I'm not too sure, to be honest with you, it is a split-squad, players are coming and leaving, but I've not been told much.

“I'm here until the Uruguay game so I don't know from there.”

In camp for the first time ☝️

We spoke to James Garner on day one of #ThreeLions camp pic.twitter.com/havng9cGn2

— England (@England) March 25, 2026

Thomas Tuchel's focusing on set-piece play with the England squad, aiming to capitalize on dead-ball situations, a key factor in their 2018 World Cup semi-final run under Gareth Southgate.

“We're in a very physical era of the game in the Premier League and an era where set-pieces, free-kicks, corners and throw-ins are very highly rated,” said Tuchel.

The 52-year-old German, a former Chelsea manager, added: “It is part of it and even if I mentioned (set-pieces) many times today it is not the main part of our approach. But it has to be a part, especially in knockout football.”