Garner says he might not have made England debut if he stayed at Man Utd

James Garner admits he may never have played for England if he stayed at Manchester United. The Red Devils academy graduate spent 13 years with the club, having joined at under-eight level.

He only made seven appearances for United and was sent out on loan on three occasions, spending a spell with Watford, ahead of two separate stints with Nottingham Forest.

Garner made the decision to leave permanently in 2022 as he joined Premier League rivals Everton and he has gone on to become a key player with the club, making 125 appearances for the Merseysiders, scoring five goals.

His form with the Toffees has seen Garner rewarded with international recognition, having made his debut for the Three Lions earlier this year. He has also been named in Thomas Tuchel’s latest squad for upcoming Nations League games, coming in as a replacement following the withdrawals of five stars, including Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo.

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Reflecting on his decision to move to Everton, Garner has hinted that he might not have made his England debut had he stayed at Old Trafford.

“I think it was the perfect thing for me to do,” he said. “I am a big believer that everything happens for a reason.

“When I left they signed three or four midfielders, world class ones. Had I stayed I wouldn’t have been where I am today so I am more than happy that I did.

“I've never been shy of going into a more uncomfortable place. I went on loan three times. I went to Watford and then twice to Nottingham.

“So I wasn't worried about moving at all, changing scenery or anything that. For me, it was just about playing games and Everton was the perfect choice at that point.

“I didn’t just want to fizzle into the background and just sit on the bench and stuff like that. I wanted to go into a team where I felt like I had a chance to fight for my position and that's what I have done in the past three or four years.”

Garner’s latest call-up came as a bit of a surprise to the midfielder, having flown away to Turkey for a holiday during the extended international break.

He added: “It was a very short holiday. I had literally just got into my hotel room and I got the call. That’s not an over exaggeration either.

“I came back the day after. I slept, had the morning in the sun and left. I’m trying to work on a little thing on the hotel so that I’m not losing all my money! So I can at least go back and have the holiday that I paid for. We’ll see what happens…”