LIVERPOOL — Everton manager David Moyes has urged England boss Thomas Tuchel to consider James Garner for an international call-up, insisting the midfielder’s performances this season have been “fantastic” and worthy of serious discussion ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Moyes praised the 24-year-old for his consistency and versatility, revealing that even he has been surprised by how influential Garner has become since his arrival at Goodison Park.

“He’s been fantastic since I came in — I didn’t realise how good he was,” Moyes said. “He’s been brilliant in midfield, and I’ve said a couple of times recently he’s getting closer to being talked about for England because of his performances. He’s even played fullback when we’ve needed him to. He’s done a brilliant job for us.”

Garner, who came through the ranks at Manchester United, has been an ever-present for Everton this season — playing every minute of their 13 matches across all competitions. He has contributed one goal and one assist while leading the team in total passes (481), underlining his importance as both a creative and defensive presence in the heart of midfield.

A Case for England Recognition

While Moyes was quick to acknowledge the wealth of talent available to England boss Tuchel, he believes Garner’s form makes him impossible to ignore much longer.

“I think Alex Scott has done brilliantly for Bournemouth as well, and England have got so many good players to select from,” Moyes continued. “There’s been so much talk about Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, but all I’m saying is that Jimmy is one of the best young midfield players who, in the future, has a real chance of getting a call-up.”

Garner’s rise has been steady rather than spectacular. Once considered one of United’s brightest academy prospects, he gained valuable experience during loan spells at Watford and Nottingham Forest before joining Everton in 2022. Since then, he has evolved into a complete midfielder — comfortable in possession, defensively sound, and increasingly confident in his attacking contributions.

At the international level, Garner has already represented England from U18 through U21, forming part of the squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2021 UEFA U21 European Championship.

However, breaking into a senior side boasting the likes of Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, and Kobbie Mainoo will be no easy task.

Moyes Jokes About England’s World Cup Hopes

When asked whether he believes England can win the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the proud Scotsman was quick with a trademark grin.

“Not a chance! I couldn’t cross the border if I said that!” Moyes joked. “I have to say, though, England are incredibly strong. The hardest thing might be the conditions in America — that could have an impact in a quarter-final or semi-final if you don’t quite get it right.

“But I think England will go in with as strong a side as anybody in the World Cup.”

His comments reflect growing optimism around the Three Lions setup. With Tuchel at the helm and a new generation led by Bellingham, Foden, and Bukayo Saka, England are widely viewed as one of the favourites to lift the trophy in two years’ time.

Grealish’s Revival Under Moyes

While Garner’s development has earned Moyes’ admiration, another Everton star is also knocking on England’s door — Jack Grealish.

Since joining on loan from Manchester City, the 2023 treble winner has rediscovered his swagger under Moyes, becoming one of the Premier League’s top performers this season.

“Jack’s been really good,” Moyes said. “He’s helped us maintain the ball more, and we’re up in terms of possession. His goals have been huge. I’m driving home to him that it’s good being an assist maker, but it’s even better being a goalscorer.”

The Everton boss also praised Grealish’s professionalism and footballing intelligence, traits he believes make him a standout figure in the dressing room.

“He’s an incredible character,” Moyes added. “He loves his football, watches, listens — which a lot of modern players don’t do as much. But Jack loves the game. Tuchel’s got a really difficult job picking that England squad.”

A Growing English Core at Goodison

With both Garner and Grealish flourishing, Moyes has quietly assembled one of the Premier League’s most promising English cores at Everton. Alongside Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil, the Toffees’ attack has become more fluid, their midfield more balanced, and their results more consistent.

Garner, however, remains the story of the season — the unassuming playmaker now on the fringes of England’s most competitive squad in decades.

If he continues his current trajectory, Moyes’ prediction may not be far off. The next time England name a squad, James Garner’s name might just be on it.