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Everton defender James Tarkowski has hopes of making the England 2022 World Cup squad, but is currently focusing on his club career.
As reported by talkSPORT, Tarkowski is simply taking one game at a time at Goodison. He does, however, remain hopeful of an England call-up.
The centre-back is gaining plenty of plaudits for his displays in blue. He joined the Toffees from Burnley in the summer, and has been part of one of the strictest defences in the Premier League this season.
Everton have conceded 12 goals in the current campaign. Only Newcastle (10), Manchester City (11) and Arsenal (11) have conceded fewer.
Tarkowski has been crucial in helping Frank Lampard’s side remain firm at the back. He is not focusing on Qatar, but would undoubtedly welcome a place in the England setup.
Tarkowski hopeful of England World Cup spot
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“I’m not against talking about it because hopefully there’s the potential for me to be going there and I want to get myself involved,” said Tarkowski.
“I’m just trying to get out there on the pitch and perform and show what I’m all about.
“I’m playing with England’s No.1 behind me, an England regular in the squad next to me as well. I’m just enjoying playing football and if by doing that I get in the England squad then happy days.”
England trio shining at Everton
As mentioned by Tarkowski, he is playing club football alongside Jordan Pickford and Conor Coady. The English trio have worked very well together for the Toffees.
Tarkowski enjoyed a similar scene at Burnley. He performed admirably for the Clarets alongside fellow defender Ben Mee and goalkeeper Nick Pope.
At Everton, Coady has replaced Mee in this sense, with Pickford replacing Pope. Tarkowski is enjoying the time together on the pitch with his Toffees teammates.
“Understanding each other is obviously massive, especially at the back,” noted Tarkowski. “I think it’s pivotal, especially when you can get consistency in a partnership.
“I had it with Ben Mee and Nick Pope at Burnley, which worked quite well.
“At the minute I’ve got the same again with Conor Coady and Jordan Pickford. Jordan is an incredible goalkeeper. I think if you saw the game against Fulham and some of the saves he made, they’re top end. He’s been doing that for years now.
“And Coady’s experience – he’s one of the best leaders I’ve seen in terms of the way he talks and the way he plays. So, yeah, it’s been a pleasure to play alongside both of them.”
World Cup distraction not an option
The centre-back, who has two England caps to his name, believes focusing on Everton’s upcoming games is his only option to avoid any World Cup distraction.
“I suppose maybe the lads who are guaranteed to be going there, maybe it’s playing on their minds a little bit more but, for myself, I’m just enjoying my football,” he added.
“I’m just thinking about the games ahead of me before the break comes and then we’ll see what comes after that.”
Everton, currently in 12th, play Leicester and Bournemouth in their final two Premier League matches before the World Cup.
The Toffees also have an EFL Cup meeting with the Cherries before the tournament in Qatar begins.
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