James Garner has been a key player for Everton in recent seasons, making 118 Premier League appearances for the club. He was signed from Manchester United in 2022 for an initial fee of £9m. The 2025-26 campaign proved to be a watershed moment for Garner, as he played all but six minutes of Everton's Premier League campaign to spearhead a European push that lasted for much of the season.
Garner's consistent displays last season earned him a first England cap in a friendly against Uruguay in March. He produced a man-of-the-match performance, topping the game for tackles and chances created. However, he missed out on a place in England's World Cup squad. Despite this, Garner's physical attributes could result in more caps in the near future, as he covered the most ground of any Premier League player last season.
Garner's versatility is likely to be crucial to a threadbare Everton squad this season. The club can currently call on only 17 fit senior outfield players, with Christian Norgaard and Merlin Rohl sidelined because of injury. Garner has played at right-back and left-back for Everton in addition to his usual central midfield role. He also played at right-back when England Under-21s won the European Championship three years ago.
Everton manager David Moyes has said that Garner can operate as a number eight or six, a valuable commodity after losing 254 Premier League appearances in the guise of departed midfielder Idrissa Gueye this summer. If Everton are to push back towards European football this season, Garner may well be their most important asset.