Garbutt hungry for Toulon experience with England

The Everton defender was called into Gareth Southgate’s squad for the first time since being on standby for the Under-21s last summer and made an accomplished debut against Wales on Monday.

And he’s now with the squad in southern France as they get ready to line-up against Qatar in their first game of the prestigious competition.

"The lads have taken to the weather really well and being over here is going to be a lot different to what we’ve played in during the past, so it’s going to be an experience for the lads," said Garbutt, who has now been capped at all levels from U16s through to Under-21s.

"I had the experience last year of the [U20s] World Cup and it’s only going to benefit me in the long run by playing different teams with different formations and different styles.

"I hadn’t worked with Gareth and Steve [Holland] before, but I’ve really enjoyed it so far, the camaraderie between the lads is good and everything’s really relaxed so that’s shown in the games."

With a number of players missing the trip to Toulon through injury or being unavailable because of club commitments, Garbutt was one of several players called into Southgate’s squad for the first time for this trip.

Garbutt in action against Wales on his England Under-21s debut

And the Harrogate-born left-back was given the opportunity to make an instant impact in Monday’s victory over Wales in Swansea, a game in which he was proud to be a part of as Nathan Redmond’s hat-trick sent England nine points clear in their qualifying group with a 3-1 win.

"From a personal point of view, making my debut is really exciting and we all enjoyed the game," he told TheFA.com from the team’s base in Provence.

"It was a really good display from everyone on Monday, especially being away from home and with the crowd against us, so it was a really good game.

"I’ve played with Nathan throughout the various age groups and he’s a top player. 

"I thought we linked well the other night and if he’s given the ball, he can do the rest."

Watch the full interview with Garbutt now in the media player above.