James Garner
EVE
CM (RB)
Box-to-Box
Mar 13, 2001 (25)
Right
6'0"
172 lb
EvertonRuled 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.
Four crosses in defeat
Garner generated four crosses (zero accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 2-0 loss to Arsenal.
Analysis: Garner led the Everton attacking effort Saturday with four crosses (zero accurate) and four corners but was unable to pick the lock of the Arsenal backline in a 2-0 road defeat. The versatile midfielder also contributed one tackle (one won), three interceptions and five clearances to the defensive effort across his 90-minute shift. Garner has logged the full 90 minutes in 14 consecutive Premier League appearances.
Provides assist against Burnley
Garner assisted once to go with 10 crosses (three accurate) and six corners in Tuesday's 2-0 victory over Burnley.
Analysis: Garner's set-piece delivery sparked the opener as his 32nd minute free kick found James Tarkowski for the headed goal. He kept whipping dangerous balls into the box and nearly set up another before halftime when Martin Dubravka denied Jarrad Branthwaite's header. His command of midfield and steady dead-ball service kept Burnley under constant pressure and made Everton's dominance pay off in what was likely his best outing of the season, setting a new season high with five chances created, 10 crosses, six corners and seven tackles to cap his shift, while also recording assists in back to back Premier League matches and continuing to show how influential he is in the Toffees' attacking phases.
Assists against Newcastle
Garner assisted once to go with one cross (one accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 3-2 victory versus Newcastle United. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 67th minute.
Analysis: Garner delivered an excellent corner that found Jarrad Branthwaite for the opening goal. After recording just one goal contribution last Premier League season, he already has two goals and four assists this year in only eight more matches. Along with his attacking improvement, his defensive output has stood out, with 81 tackles and 46 interceptions placing him among the top defensive midfielders in the league. His balanced profile continues to make him a key piece for Everton. He will look to build on that form in the next fixture against Burnley, who sit 19th, offering a good opportunity to contribute again and potentially help secure a first clean sheet in nine Premier League matches.
14 crosses in Monday's loss
Garner had one shot (one on goal), 14 crosses (four accurate) and six corners in Monday's 1-0 defeat versus Manchester United.
Analysis: Garner was very active on the attack Monday, recording a season-high 14 crosses versus the Red Devils. He was able to muster up four accurate crosses and two chances created, but he couldn't provide a goal contribution. He played well on the defensive end too as he provided two clearances, one interception and one tackle in his full 90 minutes of action.
Creative effort in victory
Garner registered one shot (one on goal), six crosses (four accurate) and five corners in Saturday's 2-1 win versus Fulham. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 56th minute.
Analysis: Garner made an impact with his set-piece crosses, yet none of them led directly to a goal in this game. The four chances created were his highest figure since Sept. 13 and tied his season-high mark. He has been quite consistent as an all-around contributor while featuring mostly as a central midfielder, with his corner and free kick duties granting him some attacking potential in addition to a solid passing and defensive output.
Registers most crosses
Garner recorded six crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Brighton.
Analysis: Garner registered the most crosses in the game, tied with Maxim De Cuyper. Garner created a chance, won nine duels and also made six tackles, three interceptions and two clearances. He has been one of the most consistent midfielders in the league, offensively and defensively, and has started all games so far.
Solid effort during draw
Garner registered two shots (zero on goal), six crosses (zero accurate) and three corners in Monday's 1-1 draw against Leeds United.
Analysis: Garner would not bag a goal contribution in the one-goal draw Monday, but still saw some decent time on the field, with two shots and six crosses in 90 minutes of play. That said, he is up to 114 crosses this season, with this his eighth appearance with six or more crosses in 23 games.
Signs long-term contract
Garner has signed a long-term contract with Everton until the end of the 2029/30 season, the club announced Friday.
Analysis: Garner was linked with a move away from Everton since his current deal was about to expire at the end of the current campaign, but Everton have now secured him on a new deal for the next four seasons. Garner has established himself as a regular for Everton in 2025/26, starting in each of his 22 EPL appearances while tallying two goals and three assists.
Goal and assist in win
Garner scored one goal and assisted once from four shots and three chances created in Tuesday's 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Garner delivered his best performance since joining Everton, recording multiple goal contributions in the same match for the first time. He now has two goals and three assists this season after totaling just one goal and four assists across his previous three league campaigns. The midfielder was active in attack with four shots after attempting six across his last seven games, while also delivering three crosses to extend his run to 11 straight matches with at least three. His delivery was a consistent threat, as two of his three chances created came from crosses. Defensively, he added three tackles to give him 10 across his last two games, along with two interceptions, one block and a season-high eight clearances.
Nine crosses in win
Garner registered one shot (zero on goal), nine crosses (two accurate) and four corners in Tuesday's 1-0 victory against AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Garner delivered more than six crosses for a second time this season, both occasions coming within the last six outings. Additionally, this was his second straight game recording at least two tackles, as he also earned multiple tackles won for the first time in five matches.
Assists only goal in away win
Garner assisted once to go with three crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Monday's 1-0 win over Manchester United.
Analysis: Garner assisted the only goal of the game as Everton picked up a famous victory at Old Trafford. This was the midfielder's second assist of the season, his first since September. He has created a chance in three of the last four matches and also attempted at least three crosses in the last four games.
Four shots and six crosses in win
Garner registered four shots (one on goal), six crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 2-0 victory against Fulham.
Analysis: Garner continued his run as Everton's top set-piece taker with three corners and also attempted six crosses in the match. He also attempted four shots and put one on target which came from a freekick where he forced a brilliant save from Bernd Leno.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare