20 February 2024 , 10:46
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England manager Gareth Southgate is keeping a close eye on James Garner as he mulls over a debut call-up for the Everton star.
The Three Lions take on Brazil and Belgium in friendlies next month as they ramp up their preparations for this summer’s Euros. Southgate is still mulling over the squad that he will take to the tournament.
A few surprise options could potentially force themselves into the reckoning and receive their first caps for England. According to Mail Online, Southgate is concerned over the performances of Kalvin Phillips and other midfielders could earn call-ups.
Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo and Fulham’s Harrison Reed are among those who could be included in Southgate’s squad next month. Elsewhere, ex-Red Devils academy graduate Garner is among those being considered after his performances for Everton this season.
The midfielder joined the Toffees in 2022 for an initial fee of £9m which could rise to £15m. Explaining his switch to Goodison Park, Garner said: "It was a decision where - after having two seasons in men's football - I wanted to be part of a team and squad, ideally starting too. I knew I wasn't going to get that at United so I made the decision to move here.
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"Ten Hag is a very approachable guy but is very strict. He takes no-one bending the rules. He will say it how it is and will punish people if they have done the wrong things. My talk with him was easy.
"I asked him plain and simple whether I was going to be in the squad or if he saw me playing a part. I felt the conversation did not go as well as I wanted and I made the decision to move."
James Garner in action for Everton (Getty Images)What should Gareth Southgate's Euros squad look like? Share your suggestions in the comments below
Since then, he has made 48 appearances for Everton - 31 of those coming this season. Sean Dyche has hailed his midfielder for his performances.
Speaking earlier this season, he said: “Jimmy Garner was terrific, he’s learning and improving. He’s just a good kid. He’s got that nice little edge about him that he’s a bit of a nark now and again, I like it.
“I think you need that as a footballer. The demands he places upon himself is very pleasing as he works very hard in training and I think he’s getting the rewards with his improvement. When I got here he’d been injured and stuff so that wasn’t helpful but you can see the improvement in him – week in, week out.
“I want him to do the hard yards and the basics of being a midfield player but I want him to play and have the freedom to play and he’s finding that nice mix.”
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