National team manager Thomas Tuchel has summoned 25-year-old midfielder James Garner, along with Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest, to replace a host of injured key players in a trying time for the squad.
Garner's call-up aims to bolster the midfield, stepping in for Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo. Tuchel was left thoroughly impressed by Garner during his debut against Uruguay at Wembley back in March, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
In that encounter, Garner was named man of the match, prompting Tuchel to draw comparisons between him and Real Madrid's Federico Valverde:
I’m really pleased with Garner. He’s our mini-Valverde. He's growing stronger with each passing day, and he played brilliantly. I never doubted him; he possesses natural confidence and incredible physical strength. He made an impressive number of tackles.
The versatile player, who previously played for Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, has become a key figure in Everton's resurgence in the Premier League and is now eager to establish himself in the national team ahead of a challenging match against Spain.
