Garner dreams of World Cup glory in bid to replicate England under-21 success

The Everton midfielder has been given a shot at making the finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico by England manager Thomas Tuchel's decision to bring him into an extended squad for upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.

Garner's inclusion comes following a fine season for a revitalised Everton and the 25-year-old, having tasted success with England under-21s by winning the junior 2023 European Championship, is now aiming for the greatest prize in world football.

"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 is a member of a split-squad that will see some players leave after Friday's Wembley friendly with Uruguay and 11 coming in to feature 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."

Tuchel, meanwhile, said he wanted to concentrate on set-piece play during the current get-together, with dead-ball work a key factor in England's run to the World Cup semi-finals under Gareth Southgate in 2018.

"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."

© 2026 AFP

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