Garner's Season Reflections & Motivation For Future

James Garner spoke to the media after Everton's 1-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur, reflecting on the season from personal and collective perspectives, while also revealing why missing out on England's World Cup squad will "only motivate me more" in the future...

- James, how do you sum up your thoughts after the 1-0 defeat at Spurs?

We're disappointed, to be honest. It was a bit of a slow game. I don't think they really created much and we felt quite comfortable, but, at the same time, we didn't create much, either. So it came down to one moment, and it went their way.

- How frustrating has it been to end the season in this way, when it felt like Everton were in a strong position going into the final stretch?

Very disappointed, of course. To finish the final seven games without a win is not good enough, so we need to come back next season and keep working. I think overall the season has been much better – and probably the best season we've had in the past four or five years, so there are positives to take, but it's just the final seven games that let us down. We need to be stronger going into the new season.

- Overall, you finish the season one point better off, despite the end of the season... from what you've seen and what you feel from the inside, do you feel like the progression is there?

One thousand percent. Like I said, at one point, we were talking about Europe being possible and it was there for us without the ending to the season we had. We've lost too many games in the final stretch, but there's definitely progress. We've won a lot of big games against a lot of big teams. It's definitely been a progressive season.

- How do you feel it's gone from a personal point of view? You've played every minute of every Premier League game and your performances have been very strong as well...

I'm really happy on that front. I think it's probably been my best season. I've been injury-free, I've been fit for every single game and played every minute, so, on a personal level, I've enjoyed it – but there's more to come. I want an even better season next season.

- Finally, you narrowly missed out on the England squad for the World Cup. Given your performances and having a taste of it earlier this year, do you feel like you deserved a place?

Getting a taste of it for the first time was a dream come true for me. There have been a lot of top players who have missed out in this squad, so I'm pretty sure there are others in my position who had hoped to go. Of course, it's any boy's dream – but it is what it is and I'll keep going. It's only going to motivate me more.