James Garner

Manchester United

Youth career

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.

2018–19 season

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…

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.

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.

Club

As of match played 24 May 2026

International

As of match played 31 March 2026