Everton manager David Moyes has sent a clear message to England boss Thomas Tuchel by championing the cause of midfielder James Garner following the Toffees' dramatic 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Garner Shines in Famous Everton Victory
The match, played on November 24, 2025, was decided by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's first-half goal, which came a mere 16 minutes after Everton were reduced to ten men following Idrissa Gueye's bizarre sending off. Despite intense late pressure from the home side, Everton held on for a rare win at the Theatre of Dreams, with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford making a series of crucial saves in front of the watching England manager.
While Pickford's performance underlined his status as the national team's number one, Moyes was keen to highlight the contribution of his English midfielders, with former Manchester United player James Garner earning particular praise.
From Old Trafford Exit to England Contender
James Garner, now 24, began his career at Manchester United but was consistently overlooked by a succession of managers at his boyhood club, making only two Premier League appearances. After loan spells at Watford and Nottingham Forest hinted at his potential, he left United permanently for Nottingham Forest four years ago. Everton secured his services for a bargain £9 million just twelve months later.
Under Moyes' guidance, Garner is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of Everton's rebuild. His intelligent reading of the game, precise distribution, and combative style have perfectly complemented the team's more creative players.
'James Garner is playing really well,' said Moyes after securing his first ever win as a visiting manager at Old Trafford. 'I know Thomas Tuchel was here tonight and I'm sure everyone realises England's No.1 was playing for Everton. But the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jimmy Garner are English and are maybe not quite ready yet or maybe they are.'
Moyes pointed to Tuchel's recent call-up of Bournemouth's Alex Scott as a reason for his players to be optimistic. 'That should encourage the likes of Jimmy Garner and KDH that who knows what might happen as the season goes on,' he added.
Team Resilience Trumps On-Field Spat
The match was not without controversy, as Everton had to play most of the game with ten men after Idrissa Gueye was sent off for slapping teammate Michael Keane following a misplaced pass. Moyes, however, refused to condemn the 36-year-old midfielder.
'When I saw it I didn't think there was anything in it,' Moyes said. 'I was a bit annoyed they were challenging each other but I was also quite pleased they were fighting because it shows me they cared. At Everton we're trying to demand higher standards... if we hadn't got that fight, that resilience they showed we would never have got through the rest of the game.'
Moyes confirmed that Gueye had apologised to his teammates after the match, a sentiment the midfielder echoed on Instagram, taking 'full responsibility' for his actions while stating that 'emotions can run high but nothing justifies such behaviour.'
The manager was full of praise for his team's character, stating, 'We came up against an improving Manchester United side, most people were here to watch Manchester United but Everton stood up to what we had to do.' This resilience, combined with the emerging talent of players like James Garner, provides a positive outlook for the Merseyside club.
