- James Garner had a stellar season with Everton.
- The midfielder missed out on Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the World Cup.
- Garner played every minute of every Premier League game this season.
James Garner spoke after Everton’s 1-0 defeat at Tottenham on the final day. The midfielder played every minute of every Premier League game this season. His consistency is a remarkable feat and testament to his fitness and performance level this season.
His performances were acknowledged as he won the Men’s Player of the Year and the Players’ Player of the Year award with Everton. His season was capped by his England debut as well, but he couldn’t make it to Thomas Tuchel’s final World Cup squad.
James Garner sat down with Everton and reflected on the last game. He talked avout the season’s collapse, his personal growth and missing out on England’s World Cup squad.
‘It came down to one moment, and it went their way’
Garner was asked to sum up the Tottenham defeat. “We’re disappointed, to be honest. It was a bit of a slow game. I don’t think they really created much and we felt quite comfortable, but, at the same time, we didn’t create much, either. So it came down to one moment, and it went their way.”
On the frustration of ending the season poorly after being in a strong position, Garner did not hide. “Very disappointed, of course. To finish the final seven games without a win is not good enough, so we need to come back next season and keep working. I think overall the season has been much better – and probably the best season we’ve had in the past four or five years, so there are positives to take, but it’s just the final seven games that let us down. We need to be stronger going into the new season.”
Despite the collapse, Garner believes progress has been made. “One thousand per cent. Like I said, at one point, we were talking about Europe being possible, and it was there for us without the ending to the season we had. We’ve lost too many games in the final stretch, but there’s definitely progress. We’ve won a lot of big games against a lot of big teams. It’s definitely been a progressive season.”
James Garner: ‘I want an even better season next season’
On his personal campaign, Garner was satisfied but hungry for more. “I’m really happy on that front. I think it’s probably been my best season. I’ve been injury-free, I’ve been fit for every single game and played every minute, so, on a personal level, I’ve enjoyed it – but there’s more to come. I want an even better season next season.”
Finally, he was asked about missing out on England’s World Cup squad. Garner had made his senior debut earlier in the year and had hoped to be on the plane. “Getting a taste of it for the first time was a dream come true for me.”
With many clubs linked with a move for the English midfielder, will we see him again at Hill Dickinson Stadium next season? Only the summer window will tell.
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