Tarkowski leaves door open for England call-up

Image source, Getty Images

  • Author, Shamoon Hafez
  • Role, 91热爆 Sport football news reporter in Ireland

Everton defender James Tarkowski has left the door open for an England call-up after Gareth Southgate quit as manager on Tuesday.

Tarkowski, 31, has played only twice for the Three Lions despite impressive performances for Burnley and Brentford during his career.

Last season, he was part of a Toffees backline which kept the second most clean sheets in the Premier League, behind only Arsenal.

Tarkowski also revealed he could have featured for Poland after receiving a call a number of years ago.

"In the past few years, I have accepted I wasn't going to get close to it [England] because the manager had ideas about other players rather than me," he told 91热爆 Sport.

"But now the manager is changing, who knows? I feel like I am in my prime years to play football so we will see what comes ahead."

Tarkowski joined Everton on a free transfer in 2022 and has dealt with the sacking of Frank Lampard, two separate points deductions last season and the uncertainty of a takeover.

The centre-back said: "I could never have expected anything that has happened here. There have been difficult times but I have loved playing for the football club.

"The fans are incredible and I am excited about what the next couple of years hold. It has been tough but I have enjoyed the high moments."

Tarkowski said of manager Sean Dyche: "In my time with him, he is incredible at bringing the group together and getting everyone on the same page.

"It sounds easy but it is difficult. There are 25 players who want to play but only 11 can start a football match.

"Trying to keep the others on side and making sure everyone wants the same results is difficult. He says what he thinks, he is honest and is a real manager and leader."