The gift that was waiting for Everton’s James Garner at England HQ

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James Garner has officially started training at St. George’s Park after he was called up to the England squad.

James Garner was rewarded last week for his wonderful season with Everton, with Thomas Tuchel calling him into the senior squad for the first time.

Dewsbury-Hall deserves to be in the England squad with Garner, do you agree? 🤔

FIVE goalkeepers have been included for some reason! 😡

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The midfielder has regularly stood out in games this season for the Toffees, and he more than deserves his chance.

The decision has pleased David Moyes, who has long been suggesting Garner should be in the squad.

He’ll now have the chance to show what he can do at international level, with England playing games against Uruguay and Japan.

And ahead of those games, Garner received a gift at St. George’s Park after his call-up.

• READ MORE: James Garner issues Sean Dyche jibe in England press conference

James Garner handed gold cap at England HQ

According to the Daily Mail, Garner received a gold cap at England HQ, which was to commemorate the European Championship victory.

This was the 2023 tournament, not the most recent in 2025 as Garner was too old.

But Lee Carsley had kept it, finally delivering it to the player three years later. Perhaps he simply knew the midfielder would eventually be coming to St. George’s Park with the senior squad.

Carsley – a former Everton midfielder himself of course – has also praised Garner for his development.

He said: “How he’s done has not surprised me.

“His versatility, the fact he can play two or three positions effectively. Physically he’s grown into his body.”

• READ MORE: Alan Myers explains what’s ‘underrated’ about James Garner after Everton star’s England call-up

Garner must dazzle if he wants World Cup place

It’s great to see Garner finally called into the England squad.

He probably deserved a chance during the November international break, but didn’t quite make the cut that time.

But now he’s in the picture, and Garner will be determined to make an impression.

It will be difficult for him to make the final World Cup squad, because he’s only just come onto the scene. One would imagine the more established players have better chances than him.

But Garner is having the season of his life and is easily a good enough player to be making the final squad.

He just needs to seize his opportunity with both hands this break and give Tuchel something to really think about with his final squad selection.