Thomas Tuchel Fuels Speculation After Chat With Uncapped Star at Old Trafford

England head coach Thomas Tuchel appeared to chat with two Everton players, including an uncapped midfielder, following the Toffees’ hard-fought 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

David Moyes’ Everton put in a defiant display against Ruben Amorim’s United despite playing most of the match with 10 men after Idrissa Gana Gueye was sent off for slapping his own teammate, Michael Keane, in the 13th minute.

But the travelling side, roared on by their enthusiastic supporters, continued to believe and took the lead thanks to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s strike just shy of the half-hour mark.

United, as you’d expect, continued to press and create chances but were denied frequently by England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who pulled off several top-class saves to help Everton to just their first win at Old Trafford since Bryan Oviedo’s winner in 2013. The victory was also the first time Moyes had won at the ground as a visiting manager.

Everton put in a workman-like performance while retaining possession in patches, thanks to Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish’s quality on the ball, while Thierno Barry’s aerial prowess asked questions of the Red Devils’ defence.

And after the game, among the celebrations, Three Lions head coach Tuchel was spotted chatting to Grealish and uncapped midfielder James Garner, who has impressed since Moyes’ arrival, having joined from United in 2022.

The German conversed with both players and patted them on the back, while England assistant coach Anthony Barry was also involved.

Grealish has yet to feature under Tuchel, while Garner has never been selected for the England senior team despite being part of the Young Lions side that won the 2023 Under-21s Euros.

Twenty-four-year-old Garner is a regular in Moyes’ side, and while predominantly playing as a centre-midfielder, can also fill in at full-back when required.

Of course, the pair chatting has fuelled speculation that Garner could feature in Tuchel’s plans as an outside pick for the squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The Birkenhead-born midfielder has already spoken of his ambitions to play for the Three Lions, while Everton boss Moyes also suggested that “he’s probably closer to getting talked about for England [than ever before]” due to his consistent performances.

“I think that's every English boy's dream - to play for the national team,” Garner said in October.

“There's a lot of competition, and I'm not naive enough to say I should be in the team.

“But at the same time, I do think I've had a good start to the season, and ultimately that is my goal for this season, to get there or thereabouts with the England squad.”

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