Everton, under the stewardship of cult hero David Moyes, have become somewhat of a revelation in the Premier League across the 2025/26 season.
The Toffees, who are two-nil up over Liam Rosenior’s struggling Chelsea side thanks to a brace from leading striker Beto, are 30 minutes of football away from being on the cusp of a Europa League place next season.
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And while there have been plenty of standout performers this season, an unexpected talismanic figure has emerged in the centre of the park in James Garner.
In the midst of a career season, the 25-year-old local boy provided the service required for Beto’s deadlock-breaking effort, giving him three assists in his last four appearances, and six on the season overall.
Beyond his budding penchant for command and control, Garner ranks top among English players in the Premier League for both tackles (89) and interceptions (49) this season (per Opta).
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Could there not be a better moment for the Merseyside native to earn a first-ever call-up into the England camp and an unexpected role under Thomas Tuchel?