Southgate looks to Tarkowski as he tackles defensive crisis
Burnley man impressed coach against Everton Defender yet to play for England at any level
Gareth Southgate is considering calling James Tarkowski into his England squad for the friendlies against Holland and Italy as he attempts to solve a potential defensive crisis.
The England manager watched Tarkowski and his Burnley teammate, goalkeeper Nick Pope, in Saturday’s victory over Everton, having checked that the central defender would be fit to play.
Tarkowski outperformed Everton defender Michael Keane, who has suffered a disappointing season after his move from Burnley.
Southgate is mindful of the fact Gary Cahill has been out of favour at Chelsea, while Phil Jones missed Manchester United’s victory over Crystal Palace through injury.
Joe Gomez, who impressed for England against Germany and Brazil, has not started a game for Liverpool for more than a month.
That means Southgate has a gap to fill in his three-man defence, as he attempts to find the right candidate to play alongside John Stones and Harry Maguire, whose places in England’s World Cup squad are assured.
It appears unlikely that the England manager will go back to United’s Chris Smalling, whose passing ability he has questioned.
Tarkowski has been in superb form for Burnley and it is no coincidence that the club has failed to win the nine matches he has missed, his latest lay-off down to a groin problem. In January, he was rewarded with a new contract that runs to 2022.
The 25-year-old started his career at Oldham Athletic, before moving to Brentford and eventually joining Burnley in 2016. He is yet to represent England at any level.
Speaking about Southgate’s appearances at Burnley games, Tarkowski said: “We’re seventh in the league, so there is no surprise that the England manager is here watching players.
“We’ll have to see what happens over the next couple of weeks. There are plenty of lads in good form at our place, so we’ll just have to see what happens.
“There are so many people out there who could get a shout. You’ve just got to concentrate on your club football for now and if it happens, it happens.”
On the prospect of breaking into the England squad in time to travel to the World Cup in Russia, Tarkowski added: “Everyone wants to get to a World Cup, so it would be a good time to break into the squad. I’m not too worried about it, I’m happy enough here playing football week in week out.
“If it comes then, obviously, I would be delighted to represent my country, but I’m just happy to be back out there playing football again.
“It’s out of your control now, there’s nothing you can do. All you can do is do what you do for your club. You’ve just got to focus on your own job and, if [the manager] decides to call you up for the squad, then so be it.”