James Garner rejects ‘season over’ talk after Everton FA Cup exit and addresses contract future

James Garner has dismissed suggestions that Everton’s season is effectively over following their FA Cup exit, insisting there can be “no excuses” for the penalty shootout defeat while also providing an update on his contract situation.

The midfielder was speaking after Everton were knocked out in the third round by Sunderland at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, losing 3-0 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

James Garner acknowledged Everton’s frustration after another early cup exit but was quick to shut down claims that the campaign is now a write-off.

“The season definitely isn’t over,” Garner said.
“It’s over for the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, but we’ve still got half a season left.

“You see how tight the league is. If you win one game, you’re right up there again, so the season is definitely not over.”

Everton deservedly trailed when Enzo Le Fée fired Sunderland ahead with an excellent first-half volley, capitalising on poor defending.

A lifeline arrived late on when referee John Brooks awarded a penalty after Trai Hume was judged to have fouled Adam Aznou. Garner converted from the spot to force extra time.

However, the shootout proved costly. Garner, Thierno Barry and Beto all saw their penalties saved by Robin Roefs, as Everton exited without scoring a single spot-kick.

Everton travelled with just 12 senior players available, but Garner refused to lean on that as mitigation.

“It’s very disappointing,” he said.

“It was hard to get back into the game. We were the better side in the second half, got the goal back and then in extra time everyone was knackered.

“We’re down to the bare bones with injuries, lads at AFCON and suspensions, but there are no excuses. Me and the boys need to put the ball in the back of the net.”

Garner felt Everton’s slow start left them with too much to do.

“If we’d started the game how we came out in the second half, it probably would’ve been a different result,” he admitted.

“We were very lethargic. We weren’t pressing. We had a lot of the ball but didn’t do much with it.

“We know what the ground is like here. If you get the crowd onside early, it usually goes well for us. That’s what we failed to do in the first half.”

Garner also addressed his future at Everton, with just six months remaining on his current deal — though a performance-based option for an extra year exists.

When asked for an update on talks, the midfielder was brief.

“No,” he said. “Pretty much the same as it was.”

With cup competitions now gone, Everton’s attention turns solely to league form and the push for a strong finish. For Garner, leadership and consistency will be vital — both for the club’s ambitions and his own future at Goodison Park.

Do Everton still have enough momentum to push for Europe — or has the FA Cup exit exposed deeper issues?