David Moyes admits James Garner surprise after Everton midfielder’s England call

David Moyes has spoken further about James Garner after the Everton midfielder was rewarded for his excellent form with selection for the senior England squad for the first time

David Moyes admitted he had been surprised by the stunning emergence of James Garner after the Everton midfielder was called up for England.

The 25-year-old was struggling with injury when the Blues boss returned to the club in January of last year. Tasked with leading the club out of a fourth successive relegation fight, Moyes ‘ focus was fixated upon finding a route to safety.

While Garner showed glimpses of his talent after his return to fitness, there was no guarantee he would remain a key figure beyond the Scot’s summer squad rebuild. He has seized his chance since then, however, growing into one of the team’s most important figures.

Garner form sparked a months-long campaign from Moyes to get England boss Thomas Tuchel to pay attention to his star centre midfielder. His efforts were boosted when the Manchester United graduate excelled in front of the ex-Chelsea manager as Everton secured season-defining wins at Old Trafford against his former club and then Aston Villa.

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Those performances have now been rewarded with a senior call-up to Tuchel’s expanded Three Lions squad for the friendlies with Uruguay and Japan. They are the final games before the German selects his World Cup squad.

Speaking ahead of Everton’s game with Chelsea on Saturday at Hill Dickinson Stadium (5.30pm kick-off), Moyes said of Garner: “He’s really surprised me because he’s taken on the challenge.

“He’s played with a shed load of confidence as well. And a lot more belief than what he maybe had in the past.

“He’s a boy who I think was a little bit lacking in self-belief. I think now he’s really enjoying it and he’s taking on the responsibility.

“He’s got a bit more responsibility now because he’s one of the key players, he’s signed a new contract. We want him to keep improving, and if he can get a game for England, that would be fantastic.”

Garner penned a four-and-a-half year deal in January after weeks of talks over his future.

While Everton had the opportunity to extend his contract by a further year, the interest of rivals in the Premier League and Serie A made tying him down crucial.

When that was signed off Garner, a European Championship winner with England Under-21s three years ago, set his sights on a senior call-up.

The 25-year-old, who can also play at right back, has now achieved just that.

Moyes, who said Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski were in contention to return after missing Everton’s narrow defeat to Arsenal, added: “He’s done so many good things. He’s been confident on the ball, he’s shown great speed across the ground.

“He has shown an ability to score when he’s been played further up the pitch. He’s an aggressive boy and he’s not been frightened of playing against some of the best players.”