James Garner harms World Cup chances as Everton’s European hopes dashed by West Ham
James Garner may have lost out on more than just European football with Everton following a late defeat to West Ham.
The 25-year-old is fighting for a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s plans ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with plenty of competition for such a key position in the England squad.
Partnering with Idrissa Gueye in the centre of midfield on Saturday, 25 April, Garner had the perfect opportunity to show why he deserves to star this summer, but he failed to take it.
Everton went on to lose 2-1 at the London Stadium, with Callum Wilson scoring a winner in added time, just moments after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall cancelled out Tomas Soucek’s opener.
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VISIT THE EVERTON MATCH HUBEverton’s chances of European football take a huge hit in East London
The Toffees would have overtaken Bournemouth in seventh, only behind Brighton on goal difference, had they won three points in East London, but it was a rather disappointing display instead.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are scrapping for every ball, and with Tottenham scraping a 1-0 win over Wolves, it was a much-needed victory for the Hammers down in 17th place.
That is no excuse for David Moyes’ side, however, and Garner will need to shoulder some of the blame due to his individual performance in the middle of the park. It just wasn’t good enough.
| England’s midfielders this weekend | James Garner vs West Ham | Adam Wharton vs Liverpool | Elliot Anderson vs Sunderland |
| Minutes played | 90 | 90 | 90 |
| Passing accuracy | 81% (50/62) | 71% (25/35) | 79% (31/39) |
| Chances created | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Dispossessed | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Tackles | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| Recoveries | 6 | 5 | 5 |
| Dribbled past | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Ground duels won | 54% (7/13) | 57% (4/7) | 29% (2/7) |
| Fouls committed | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Garner has set an extremely high bar this season, whether he’s been in midfield or right-back, but in this game, he was a shadow of his usual self, even picking up a yellow card in the Toffees’ defeat.
James Garner continues to be linked with Everton exit
Despite an unusual display away from the Hill Dickinson Stadium, it has still been a fine season from the 25-year-old, with plenty of years ahead of him to develop and improve.
Other clubs in the Premier League have clearly been impressed, with Football Insider understanding that Aston Villa remain interested in Garner despite signing a new contract on Merseyside recently.
Should the Toffees miss out on European football, supporters might start to worry that a departure from the Hill Dickinson is imminent, and even more so if he’s snubbed by Tuchel this summer.
A lot is riding on the final few games of the 2025-26 campaign, and it could have a further domino effect that Everton are hoping not to experience at the end of the season.
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