adminAlan Stubbs says Everton have a player who’s closer to an England call-up than Jack Grealish
Everton loanee Jack Grealish has enjoyed an impressive resurgence since arriving earlier in the season, but according to Alan Stubbs, there is another Toffees star who may actually be closer to an England call-up ahead of the World Cup.
Jordan Pickford is virtually guaranteed a place in the squad, having been England’s first-choice goalkeeper for the last four major tournaments and consistently performing for the Three Lions.
Behind him, several other Everton players are hoping to force their way into Thomas Tuchel’s plans.
James Tarkowski appears to have only a slim chance after earning his first and only cap nearly eight years ago, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall could enter the conversation if his form improves.
Jarrad Branthwaite is considered a strong candidate too, provided he returns from injury in time.
However, Stubbs believes James Garner is currently the most likely Everton player—aside from Pickford—to break into the final World Cup squad.
Alan Stubbs backs James Garner for an England breakthrough
Stubbs, who never received an England cap despite captaining Everton to their best league finish since the 1980s, insists Garner has a realistic chance of making the squad if he keeps performing at his current level.
Speaking on the A View From The Bullens podcast, Stubbs said:
“I think the wingers have been in good form. Jack just has to keep doing what he’s doing. But the one who might be the closest is James Garner.
“However, when you look at that midfield position, with Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson doing well, it’s tough.”
Garner’s ability to play multiple roles in midfield could strengthen his case, and he has started the season strongly.
Grealish likely still ahead of Garner in the pecking order
Despite Garner’s impressive form and outside shot at making the squad, Grealish still appears more likely to secure a World Cup place.
The winger already has major tournament experience, featuring at Euro 2020 and scoring at the 2022 World Cup—something Tuchel may value highly heading into another competition.
While Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon are currently ahead of him in the selection hierarchy, Grealish’s recent performances could prove vital.
His creative, patient style—contrasting with the more direct approaches of Rashford and Gordon—could make him useful in tight matches, especially when England need a late breakthrough or set-piece opportunity for Harry Kane.
Garner remains in contention, but he faces stiff competition from the likes of Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson, Curtis Jones, and others battling for backup midfield roles behind Rice and Jude Bellingham.
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