James David Garner (born 13 March 2001) is an English professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Premier League club Everton and the England national team.
Born in Birkenhead, Garner joined Manchester United's youth system at under-8 level. He made his first-team debut at the age of 17, in a Premier League game against Crystal Palace in February 2019. He spent time on loan at Watford and Nottingham Forest. In the 2021–22 season, he helped Forest gain promotion to the Premier League by winning the play-offs. Garner made seven first-team appearances for United in total, before joining Everton in September 2022.
Garner made over 30 appearances for England's youth national teams, from under-17 to under-21 level. He made his debut for the under-21 team in September 2021, and was part of the squad that won the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
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Club career
Manchester United
Garner was born in Birkenhead in Merseyside. He joined the Manchester United Academy at under-8 level. He initially played as a centre-back until the age of 15, before transitioning into midfield. Garner made his first appearances for the Manchester United Under-18s at the end of the 2016–17 season, appearing as a substitute in games against Arsenal and Blackburn Rovers. He signed as an academy scholar in July 2017 and played for the Under-18s in 2017–18, scoring four goals in 24 appearances in all competitions as Manchester United won the Premier League North title; however, he missed the final of the competition against Chelsea as he was on international duty. He also made eight appearances for the Manchester United Under-19s as they made it to the round of 16 of the 2017–18 UEFA Youth League before being eliminated by local rivals Liverpool.
Garner first became involved with the Manchester United first team on the club's summer 2018 tour of the United States, starting in the match against San Jose Earthquakes on 22 July, before being replaced by Scott McTominay at half-time. He made substitute appearances against Real Madrid on 1 August and Bayern Munich on 5 August. With Manchester United's qualification from their 2018–19 UEFA Champions League group secure, Garner was named on the bench for their final group game against Valencia on 12 December, but was not used in the match. He was named as a substitute for Manchester United's 2018–19 FA Cup third round tie against Reading on 5 January 2019, but, again, was not brought on.
On 27 February 2019, he made his first-team debut at the age of 17, coming on as a 90th-minute substitute for Fred in a 3–1 league win away to Crystal Palace. On 15 March, Garner signed a contract extension, keeping him at United until June 2022 with an option for a further year.
Garner went on the first team's summer tour in 2019, along with fellow academy players Angel Gomes, Tahith Chong and Mason Greenwood. He came on as a substitute in the 83rd minute of the first pre-season game against Perth Glory, and scored his first senior goal, a low drive into the bottom right corner from outside the box.
On 24 October 2019, he made his European debut for Manchester United against Partizan in the Europa League.
Everton
On 1 September 2022, Garner signed for Everton on a four-year deal, a decision which caused substantial backlash from Manchester United fans. The fee was reported to be of £9 million, with add-ons that could increase the fee to £15 million.
Garner made his debut for Everton as a substitute in a 2–1 loss at home to Manchester United on 9 October 2022.
On 27 September 2023, Garner scored his first goal for Everton in a 2–1 win away at Aston Villa in the third round of the EFL Cup. On 7 October, he scored his first Premier League goal in a 3–0 defeat of Bournemouth at Goodison Park.
International career
Garner was a youth international and represented England at under-17, under-18, under-19, under-20 and under-21 levels. Garner captained the under-17 side that reached the semi-finals of the 2018 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. On 13 October 2020, Garner made his debut for the under-20 team during a 2–0 victory over Wales at St. George's Park.
On 27 August 2021, Garner received his first call up at under-21 level. On 7 September 2021, he made his under-21 debut during the 2–0 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification win over Kosovo at Stadium MK.
On 14 June 2023, Garner was included in the England squad for the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship; a tournament the Young Lions ultimately went on to win.
In March 2026, Garner received his first call-up to the England senior squad, ahead of home friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. On 27 March 2026, Garner made his debut during a 1–1 draw against Uruguay, and was awarded England Player of the Match.
Style of play
Garner has played in several midfield roles, including as a central midfielder. He has also been used in wider and defensive positions at club and youth international level. His style of play includes his passing range, set-piece delivery, and defensive work rate.
Career statistics
Club
As of match played 24 May 2026
International
As of match played 31 March 2026
Honours
Nottingham Forest
EFL Championship play-offs: 2022
England U21
UEFA European Under-21 Championship: 2023
Individual
Denzil Haroun Reserve Player of the Year: 2019–20
UEFA European Under-21 Championship Team of the Tournament: 2023
Everton Player of the Season: 2025–26
Everton Players' Player of the Season: 2025–26