Everton's engine room: Have James Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall done enough to make England's World Cup squad?

Everton's engine room: Have James Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall done enough to make England's World Cup squad? (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images) It is not a recent revelation to Evertonians that midfield duo James Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have been the club’s standout performers this season, and with the Premier League season coming to a close, all eyes will soon be on the World Cup. The question the pair will be asking themselves is whether they have done enough to earn a seat on the plane to North America.

Plenty of media hype has surrounded James Garner specifically this season, with the 25-year-old transforming into a standout star under Moyes’s management. Garner has provided consistency within the defensive midfielder position this season, playing a central role in the passing networks in the Blues’ setup. The step from midfield to attack, breaking the lines, was something missing from this Everton side, especially under Sean Dyche, where there was a clear overreliance on ‘over-the-top’ balls directed towards Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Now, under Moyes, Garner seems to be thriving, picking up seven assists and two goals, including one in the opening game at Hill Dickinson Stadium, a 2-0 win over Brighton. It’s a marked improvement for Garner, who failed to score and provided just a single assist in 2024/25, starting only 17 times in the Premier League. His numbers have improved across the board, with Garner averaging more passes, at a higher completion rate, more chances created, shots, tackles, and interceptions per 90 minutes.

No player in the Premier League has made more tackles (116) or interceptions (58) than Garner this season. England manager Thomas Tuchel could definitely benefit from a player of Garner’s calibre. The German gave Garner his debut in March and has watched the midfielder from the stands on several occasions this season.