England: James Garner relishing midfield battle with star £200m duo

Everton midfielder Garner came off the bench in England's 2-1 Croatia win and is relishing the chance to compete with Rice and Anderson for a midfield spot under Tuchel.

James Garner made an impact off the bench as England beat Croatia 2-1 in the Nations League on Thursday, scoring what would have been his first international goal before it was ruled out for a narrow offside in the build-up.

The Everton midfielder is embracing the competition to break into England's midfield alongside Declan Rice (£105m from West Ham to Arsenal in 2023) and Elliot Anderson (£116m from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City this summer). "I love competition, and they are the lads in my position at the moment," Garner said.

"But I just have to keep on going at club level. When I have a chance like tonight, hopefully that goal goes in and that helps my case a little bit more."

England face world champions Spain in Madrid on Sunday in a decisive Nations League group finale. The winner will top the group and secure a potentially easier quarter-final draw in March.