World Cup Dreams on Hold? The Unsung Heroes Battling for a Spot

Jack Grealish's World Cup hopes? Crushed. A January foot stress fracture demanded surgery, sidelining him and opening doors for others.

Next Up: Dewsbury-Hall and Garner

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and James Garner are names now being whispered as potential inclusions. Are they long shots? Perhaps. But their recent form, especially at Everton, is turning heads.

What does Garner bring to the table? Set-piece delivery. Versatility. Qualities that might just earn him a wildcard.

Garner's recent performance against Burnley? It was a statement. Everton walked away with a 2-0 victory, and Garner was at the heart of it.

He set up James Tarkowski for a goal. Almost assisted Jarrad Branthwaite. Against Burnley, Garner made 11 penalty area entries. That's not all. He also completed 63 accurate passes.

The Challenge: Overcoming the Odds

But is brilliance enough? Even with such stats, breaking into the England squad is a monumental task. Declan Rice? A mainstay. Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold? World-class talents. Garner needs to prove he can offer something different.

Garner for the No. 6 Role?

Could Garner sneak into the No.6 role? Ahead of Jordan Henderson? Alex Scott? It's a tough ask. The competition is fierce. But Garner's recent form puts him in the conversation. His display in Everton's 2-0 win over Burnley? That was a game changer.

Consider the other contenders. Elliot Anderson. Adam Wharton. All vying for the same spot.

It's a crowded field.

Tuchel's Decision Looms

Have Garner and Dewsbury-Hall done enough? Enough to keep their names in Thomas Tuchel's thoughts?

Dewsbury-Hall's performances for Everton in 2025/26 have certainly made him a contender for a midfield spot.

The midfield battle is intense, with established stars and emerging talents all vying for limited spots.

The road to North America is paved with talent. Will these Everton stars make the cut?