Everton midfielder James Garner has been one of the standout players in the Premier League this term, establishing himself as a key cog for manager David Moyes.
Some people expected Garner to be on the periphery of the Everton first-team, but he has become a fulcrum in the engine room.
There are now loud calls for England manager Thomas Tuchel to call him up later this month.
The German tactician has shown a willingness to use the full extent of his talent pool. We analyse whether Garner should expect the call.
What do the statistics say?
Garner ranks third amongst midfielders in the Premier League for duels won this season (158), showing his nous for the defensive side of the game.
Only Joao Palhinha has attempted more tackles than the Everton ace. He is only behind Moises Caicedo in interceptions (49) and Matheus Nunes in clearances (74).
Every Everton move passes through him, and he ranks fifth for touches (2080).
He is 12th among midfielders for successful short passes (1158) and is sixth in expected assists (4.52).
The Birkenhead-born starlet ranks 18th for successful long passes (48). Only six players have recorded more successful open play crosses.
He has also bagged two goals and five assists. Garner has created 10 big chances this term. Only six players in the Premier League have created more.
He is the sixth-highest-rated player in the league this term on the statistical platform Whoscored and 11th on Sofascore.
All the signs point to a well-rounded midfielder with remarkable quality on the ball and incredible reliability off it.
Who is Garner competing with for a place in the England squad?
Tuchel has a deep pool of central midfielders, including Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Alex Scott and Curtis Jones.
Others, such as Eberechi Eze, Jordan Henderson, Morgan Rogers and Phil Foden, can also step into central midfield.
However, Garner has had a better season than Eze, Foden, Henderson, Wharton, Scott, Gallagher and Jones, who have been called up by England.
There is even a case to make that he has been just as good as the £100 million-rated Anderson.
He might not be the better overall player, but he has had a better campaign than Bellingham, who has spent a chunk of the season sidelined with injuries.
His versatility is also a massive advantage. With Everton facing issues at left-back, Garner stepped in and deputised admirably.
He also did the same when the team needed him at right-back, putting in quite the shift in the absence of Jake O’Brien. This could play a role in Tuchel’s thinking.
Should the Everton star get the call?
England lock horns with Uruguay on March 27, before taking on Japan four days later in preparation for the 2026 World Cup this summer.
Tuchel is expected to announce his squad for those games soon, and Garner deserves to be on the list following an outstanding Premier League campaign.
He has been as good as any midfielder around. Both Anderson and Garner should be in the next England squad. They can partner with Rice in the engine room.
At a time when England need balance and reliability in midfield, Garner offers both without compromise.
His consistency, tactical intelligence and growing authority at the top level make him more than just a form player. He looks ready for the international stage.
If selections are truly based on merit, it would be a surprise to see him omitted.
