Tarkowski has eye on Russia
JAMES TARKOWSKI. Remember the name. If he continues his assured form for Burnley this season, he could line up at this year’s World Cup in Russia. For England.
At the moment, he remains at a crossroads. Born in Manchester in 1992, the defender also qualifies for Poland due to his grandad, who was a tank driver in the Polish Free Army before moving to England when the Second World War ended.
So getting a call from Gareth Southgate would be quite a journey for a player who earned just £200 a week at Oldham, after leaving Blackburn aged 14 because the hours were causing problems for his family.
“We know that we are being watched because the team are doing well and the league position has been better than expected,” said Tarkowski.
“Gareth Southgate has been to a few games and players are hoping they might get a chance. But there are a lot of players vying for a small number of spots in defence.
“That said, the dream is closer than it was when I was at Oldham and Brentford. There, you know you are nowhere near it.”
Tomorrow, that recent form will be tested again when Burnley take on the team Tarkowski supports; Manchester United. “I’m desperate to play against United,” he said. “I missed the away game at Old Trafford on Boxing Day through being suspended. And if I play that will be a really special and sweet moment for me, growing up as a United fan. The family used to have a couple of season tickets at Old Trafford and I went every other home game.
“So I was a big fan but of course when you get to be a professional all that goes out of the window and it is different.”