James Garner reacts to first call-up

James Garner described the moment he received the news he would be included in his first England senior squad from head coach Thomas Tuchel.

The Everton midfielder, who reported for duty at St. George’s Park earlier today, kept the news close to his chest, despite his elation, after speaking with the Three Lions boss who informed him.

“He messaged me and said that we need a call,” he explained. “Obviously, we had the call and it was a very positive one and I was very happy.

“I didn’t tell anybody because I knew the squad was going out the next day, so on the way to training, I rang my mum and my dad and brother and stuff and let them know, but I just wanted to digest it myself, so I didn’t even tell anyone.”

The 25 year old, who was a part of the Young Lions’ U21 UEFA EURO winning squad in 2023 under Lee Carsley, waited patiently for the day to come, explained he remained optimistic.

“I hope it’d come,” he admitted. “I felt personally, I’ve had a good season. It’s probably the best I’ve played since I’ve started, so I was very confident and hoping that I would get the call up.

“I kind of told myself at the start of the season that this season has to be the season that I can show everyone what I can do. I think so far, I have done.”

And Garner is eyeing a place on the plane to the USA for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 this summer, with a Wembley double header coming up against Uruguay and Japan this month as part of the send-off series.

“I think this season, I’ve had a very good season,” he continued. “I think hence that’s why I’ve been lucky enough to be called up, so I just need to keep on my form and show everyone what I can do and who knows when the squad ends up getting selected?”

“For me personally, that was probably one of the best feelings I’ve ever had, winning the EUROs with the under-21s, so I just want to go that one step further now and hopefully win a trophy with the first team as well.”