James Garner sent message to Thomas Tuchel with what he did in Everton defeat vs Tottenham
James Garner was in the mood for Everton as they suffered a final-day defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Joao Palhinha's goal was all the Lilywhites needed to avoid relegation on the day and condemn West Ham to the Championship.
It has been a disappointing week for Garner, who was left out of Thomas Tuchel's England World Cup squad for this summer's tournament.
The midfielder only made his international debut in March, but has enjoyed an excellent season under the guidance of David Moyes and shared his disappointment after the announcement.
However, the news clearly did not dampen the 25-year-old's Everton form on Sunday, with the England manager sent a message.
James Garner's brilliant stats vs Tottenham
Football Insider exclusively revealed in April that Everton are relaxed over Garner's future, after he extended his contract in January.
The midfielder is tied down until 2030, and has not shown any signs of a desire to leave the Toffees this summer.
| James Garner | Stats vs Tottenham (A) |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Accurate passes | 51/54 |
| Chances created | 4 |
| Successful dribbles | 1/2 |
| Tackles | 4 |
| Recoveries | 7 |
| Blocks | 1 |
| Duels won | 9/12 |
But interest is mounting elsewhere, and if performances like Sunday's keep coming, Everton will be forced to brace for significant offers.
Garner was undoubtedly the standout for the visitors, creating four chances, being fouled three times and completing 10 passes into the final third on the day.
He also completed three accurate crosses, two long balls and misplaced just three of his 54 attempted passes.
Defensively, too, the England international was in fine form. He made four tackles, seven recoveries and won an outstanding nine duels.
Everton did not win the game, but Garner has taken yet another chance to move into the spotlight amid rising recognition of his exploits.
What Thomas Tuchel said about 'very good' Garner
Garner faced plenty of competition for England's World Cup squad, with Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice always having been certainties in his position.
The inclusion of Jordan Henderson, presumably for his dressing room presence, has raised eyebrows, however, and there is an argument that Garner has enjoyed a better season than Kobbie Mainoo, too.
Nevertheless, the 25-year-old's time is coming, and it will not be far around the corner if he can keep producing seasons like the one he has.
"I'm very happy -- he's our mini Valverde," Tuchel said in March, after Garner had made his England debut.
"He's getting there, and he played very, very good. I was quite sure that he will play good because he has this natural confidence and he's just very physical. He won a lot of balls."