James Garner's World Cup Dream Faces Reality Check Despite Strong Everton Form

The World Cup dream is slipping away for one Everton prospect, even as another Blue continues to turn heads under the radar.

Jack Grealish arrived at Goodison Park with genuine hopes of making the cut for North America this summer, but a foot stress fracture suffered in January has ended that particular story before it really began. Surgery followed, and with it went any realistic chance of a Tuchel call-up.

Yet while Grealish's hopes have evaporated, Everton harbour two other candidates who could yet find themselves on the plane alongside Jordan Pickford. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, the summer addition, and James Garner—who's been rejuvenated since arriving at the club—have both impressed sufficiently to warrant consideration.

The national team conversation has naturally gravitated toward attacking talent, experimental full-backs on the left flank, and the perpetual puzzle of who partners Declan Rice in midfield. A fully fit Jude Bellingham would walk into any squad, with Morgan Rogers likely alongside him. Dewsbury-Hall's performances have genuinely staked a claim to midfield consideration, though an axe still feels inevitable.

Garner, though, presents an intriguing case. His set-piece delivery is genuinely excellent, and his positional flexibility offers tactical scope. In another era, these qualities might have been enough to make him a genuine wildcard option. The problem? Tuchel already has specialists in these areas. Declan Rice, Reece James, and Trent Alexander-Arnold all bring set-piece prowess to the table, rendering that particular skill less essential. As for versatility—England's right-back cupboard is overflowing, and Garner isn't displacing James or Alexander-Arnold.

What complicates matters further is the muddle surrounding the No.6 position. Elliot Anderson has made a statement for Nottingham Forest, though fatigue appears to be creeping in. Adam Wharton's struggles at Crystal Palace have hardly strengthened his hand. Jordan Henderson and Alex Scott remain in the frame, though neither screams inevitability.

Garner's recent display in Everton's 2-0 demolition of Burnley on Tuesday offered a masterclass in midfield craft. He created the opening for Tarkowski's goal, nearly set up Branthwaite, and compiled 11 penalty area entries alongside a big chance created and 63 accurate passes. It was precisely the sort of performance that keeps a player's name circulating.

Yet despite such evidence of quality, and despite the genuine uncertainty hovering over England's midfield construction, the consensus remains that Garner will miss out. Dewsbury-Hall likely faces the same fate. Both have done enough to linger in Tuchel's consciousness, but the mathematics of squad selection work against them. Still, they've given themselves something to cling to.