James Garner grasps advice of Lee Carsley to cement his position in Everton midfield
The England Under-21s boss said his core message to departing players was to take ownership of the chances that come their way
Lee Carsley is still keeping an eye on James Garner’s progress after the Everton midfielder graduated from his international side.
The England Under-21s boss said he continued to track his former players after they moved into senior football, including the youngster who played a key role in the age group’s success in the European Championships this summer.
Carsley, himself a former Everton midfielder, said he was not the type of person to maintain close contact with former players on platforms such as WhatsApp. But he said he tried to make clear both he and his coaching team would always be on hand to offer support to a player who wanted it.
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His key message to departing players is certainly one Garner appears to have taken on board with Carsley saying he urges his former charges to take ownership of their careers.
Asked if he had been tracking Garner’s progress at Everton this season when he attended Goodison Park to announce the U21s squad for the latest set of fixtures, Carsley said: “I still keep an eye on all of the players. We’ve got eight or nine that are playing really well at their clubs and are moving in the right direction… I make it clear to all of the players that I’m there for them if they need anything, if they need a chat or if they need an ear to listen, I’m there for them.”
His core message is one that Garner has put into action since returning from U21s success in the summer. Carsley said: “I always tell the players about taking responsibility and ownership for their own careers and the chances that they get and hopefully that has helped.”
Garner found himself in the Everton team at the end of last season and the beginning of this campaign through his versatility, often playing out wide in defence and midfield. Throughout those opportunities he remained determined to force his way into his favoured position of central midfield and did so for the game against Bournemouth in the beginning of October. He has since held onto that role for six games - four of which Everton have won.
Now 22, he is no longer part of the England U21s squad, his final game being the Euros final in the summer. Garner played right back in the squad that triumphed in the tournament. While he is unavailable, Carsley has selected Everton centre back Jarrad Branthwaite for the upcoming games - which includes the match with Northern Ireland at Goodison Park on Tuesday night.