James Garner
EVE
Center Midfielder
Box-to-Box
Mar 13, 2001 (25)
Right
6'0"
172 lb
Contributes defensively
Garner registered one shot (one on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 loss versus Arsenal. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 66th minute.
Analysis: Garner remained heavily involved in Everton's midfield, contributing two clearances and two blocks while also testing David Raya with a low effort during the first half. The English midfielder continues to provide a reliable presence in the center of the pitch, combining defensive work with occasional attacking contributions and set-piece responsibilities. He has yet to record a goal or assist this season but has accumulated seven chances created, 14 corners, 19 tackles and four interceptions across eight Premier League appearances. Garner remains an undisputed starter in Everton's midfield despite his limited attacking production.
Delivers five inaccurate crosses
Garner registered five crosses (zero accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 2-0 defeat against Chelsea.
Analysis: Garner did display volume up front but failed to find any teammates to make good on the chances provided. He made five crosses, none of which were accurate and took three corners. Nevertheless, the midfielder made eight defensive contributions and had 100 per cent long-ball accuracy. Likewise, seven line-breaking passes and four passes into the final third didn't result in anything meaningful either, due to inefficiency in the final third.
Still building fitness after surgery
Garner is still working toward full fitness after rushing his recovery from hernia surgery, according to coach David Moyes. "He wasn't physically ready to be selected, but it was great he went in because he's only going to get better. He raced himself back from a hernia and he's still trying to find his best form. Once he finds his best form, he'll be close to be getting selected for (the first) England squad."
Analysis: Garner has been playing through the early stages of the Premier League season while continuing to rebuild his fitness following hernia surgery. Despite earning a call-up to England's squad during the international break, coach David Moyes' comments suggest the midfielder has yet to reach his optimal physical condition. Garner has featured in all five Premier League matches this season without recording a goal contribution, remaining an important part of Everton's midfield through his defensive work, passing and set-piece responsibilities. He should continue to see regular playing time as he works toward regaining his best form.
Earns England call-up
Garner has been called up by England for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures following several withdrawals from the squad.
Analysis: Garner earns his place in the England squad after a series of consistent performances for Everton to start the season. The midfielder has yet to record a goal contribution across five Premier League appearances, but his work rate and involvement in all phases of play have made him an important part of Everton's midfield. Garner's set-piece delivery also adds another dimension to his role, with his sustained form now earning him an opportunity at international level.
Five crosses in 1-0
Garner generated two shots (zero on goal), five crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 1-0 win over Ipswich Town.
Analysis: Garner was able to play 90 minutes for the second game in a row as he continues to get back to full fitness. He has now joined Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall as the main set piece taker from the team. His two corners in this game were part of his five crosses. He was unable to complete any of the crosses he attempted and created one chance. The midfielder took two shots, bringing him to three in total, all of which have come in the last two games.
Faces competition while building fitness
Garner faces competition for his spot while building fitness during his return from injury, according to coach David Moyes. "It's part of the job to have decisions to make and we've got decisions to make. Hayden's started well for us. Jimmy's just come back and I thought Jimmy was much better against Manchester United than he was at Bournemouth."
Analysis: Garner is still not fully at 100 percent after being forced off late in the draw with Manchester United while battling cramps, having returned early from groin surgery to start the last two league matches due to Hayden Hackney and Christian Norgaard also being unavailable. Manager Moyes' comments now suggest Hackney could push for a starting role, adding uncertainty to who partners Garner in midfield going forward.
Still not 100 percent
Garner is still not 100 percent after being forced off late in Sunday's draw against Manchester United, reports the NY Times.
Analysis: Garner was battling cramps late in the game and it surprisingly took a few extra minutes to sub him off. He returned early from groin surgery and has started the last two league matches due to Hayden Hackney and Christian Norgaard also not being healthy. As long as he didn't pick up another injury in the process, Garner should remain in the XI, though his partner in the midfield will likely be either Harrison Armstrong or Hackney going forward.
Exits with possible injury
Garner was forced off with a possible injury in the 77th minute of Sunday's clash against Manchester United.
Analysis: Garner had shifted from central midfield to right-back for the latter stages of the contest before his injury brought his match to an early end. The nature and severity of the issue remain unclear, with further assessment needed to determine whether he'll miss any time. If Garner is forced to sit out upcoming matches, Hayden Hackney would be the leading candidate to replace him in central midfield, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles provides another option on the right side.
Three tackles in draw
Garner generated four crosses (zero accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 1-1 draw against AFC Bournemouth. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 59th minute.
Analysis: Garner picked up a yellow card for serious foul play in the 59th minute, with the referee wasting no time going to his pocket before Garner was replaced by Hayden Hackney shortly afterward. He took three corners and sent in four crosses, though none found their target, giving Everton a steady source of set-piece service without delivering the end product they needed. Garner also won three tackles during his time on the pitch and continues to work his way back to full fitness after a groin injury limited him throughout preseason.
Plays 64 minutes against Preston
Garner had one shot (zero on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and four chances created in 64 minutes of play during Wednesday's EFL Cup win over Preston North End.
Analysis: Garner had previously recorded 11 minutes in the Premier League opener after completing his rehabilitation from groin surgery, but he stepped into a larger role in cup play. His presence is a key element in his team's midfield, as much of the ball distribution flows through him, and he usually takes most of the squad's set pieces. He could also remain busy in defensive work, with his efficiency reflected in four of five tackles won and six successful duels during the recent cup game. His inclusion in the main lineup pushes covers for the potential loss of Hayden Hackney (knock) and takes corner and free kicks away from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Promising return from hernia surgery
Garner (groin) had one tackle (one won) in Saturday's 2-0 victory versus Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Garner came off the bench for the final 11 minutes of Saturday's 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, registering one chance created and one tackle won in his first appearance since undergoing hernia surgery. The English midfielder is regarded as an indispensable starter in manager David Moyes' midfield system when fully fit, providing the creative control and defensive intelligence that gives Everton their best midfield balance, and his brief but encouraging cameo suggests he is on track to reclaim his starting role in the coming weeks as Everton look to build on a winning start to the 2026-27 campaign.
Still working way back
Garner is out for Saturday's season opener against Crystal Palace, according to coach David Moyes. "Garner is returning from a hernia operation."
Analysis: Garner had been building up with on-field training in Germany after his procedure, but that recovery has not progressed quickly enough for him to be ready for the opener, which was never expected to be the case. He's still likely another week or two away from full training, which means more minutes for players like Hayden Hackney and Harrison Armstrong in the Everton midfield.
Ruled out for season opener
Garner is ruled out of Saturday's season opener against Crystal Palace as his start to the 2026-27 campaign is delayed following groin surgery, according to the Liverpool Echo.
Analysis: Garner had been building up with on field training in Germany after his procedure, but that recovery has not progressed quickly enough for him to be ready for the opener. He finished last season with two goals and seven assists across 38 starts, establishing himself as one of Everton's most productive attacking outlets, making his continued absence a real blow so early in the new campaign. Garner is expected to continue his rehabilitation with a return targeted for the coming weeks. Harrison Armstrong is expected to start in midfield in his absence.
Steps up recovery in Germany
Garner has stepped up his recovery from groin surgery and has resumed on-field training in Germany, the club announced.
Analysis: Garner underwent successful surgery to address the issue identified during preseason and began his rehabilitation at Finch Farm, with a return to first team training still targeted around the opening week of the Premier League season. He finished last season with two goals and seven assists across 38 starts, establishing himself as one of Everton's most productive attacking outlets, making his recovery an important storyline to track as the campaign approaches. Garner is expected to continue building toward that targeted return as his rehabilitation progresses.
Undergoes successful groin surgery
Garner has undergone successful surgery to address the groin issue identified during preseason and has begun his rehabilitation at Finch Farm, with a return to first team training targeted around the opening week of the Premier League season, according to the club.
Analysis: Garner finished last season with two goals and seven assists across 38 starts, establishing himself as one of Everton's most productive attacking outlets in the final third, so this surgery is a significant setback given his importance to the team. His recovery is described as progressing as expected, though his targeted return timeline means he could miss the start of the new 2026/27 Premier League campaign, and his rehabilitation will be worth monitoring closely as the season approaches.
Dealing with groin issue
Garner is not an option for Saturday's friendly against Dundee after experiencing discomfort in his groin following his return to training, with the issue set to be reviewed next week, according to the club.
Analysis: Garner finished last season with two goals and seven assists across 38 starts, establishing himself as one of Everton's most productive attacking outlets in the final third. His groin discomfort is a new development that will need to be monitored closely, and the upcoming review should provide more clarity on his timeline heading into the rest of preseason.
Creates four chances in finale
Garner registered one shot (zero on goal), eight crosses (three accurate) and four corners in Sunday's 1-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur.
Analysis: Garner had a productive day on the attack in Sunday's season finale, recording four chances created for the fourth time this season. He also recorded eight crosses (three accurate) and four corners as he was easily his side's most productive attacker. It was a very productive season for him as he scored two goals and recorded seven assists across 38 starts.
Productive Sunday
Garner had one shot (one on goal), nine crosses (four accurate) and five corners in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 30th minute.
Analysis: Garner recorded nine crosses in Sunday's draw, his sixth match this season with nine or more. He also created three chances and put one shot on target, a productive outing for the defensive midfielder. On the defensive end he won two tackles and intercepted one pass as he played the full 90 minutes in his 20th consecutive match.
Assist in busy match
Garner assisted once to go with six crosses (three accurate) and five corners in Monday's 3-3 draw versus Manchester City.
Analysis: Garner was all over the field Monday as he put in yet another workhorse effort, recording two chances created and six crosses while also being a big factor in defense. This would be followed up by earning an assist, finding Jake O'Brien via a corner kick. Garner sits just one short of double-digit goal contributions this season, recording two goals and seven assists.
Logs in assist
Garner assisted once to go with one shot (one on goal), four crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 3-0 win against Chelsea.
Analysis: Garner recorded an assist with a tackle won and a shot on target, while also keeping the clean sheet vs Chelsea on Saturday. This was his third assist in the last four PL appearances, while also collecting 16 key passes, four shots on target, eight tackles won and two clean sheets in seven games.
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