Ex Oldham youth product, James Tarkowski is set for his first England call up for friendlies against Holland and Italy, according to The Times.
James Tarkowski, the Burnley defender, is set to receive a first England call-up when Gareth Southgate names his squad tomorrow for this month’s friendlies against Holland and Italy.
The Manchester-born centre-back began his career at Oldham Athletic and made his first-team debut in January, 2011.
After making 89 appearances for the Latics – helping the club reach the fifth round of the FA Cup in 2013 – Tarkowski made the move to Griffin Park in January 2014.
It was revealed last year that Tarkowski had been offered the chance to play for Poland due to being eligible through his paternal grandfather, but the 25-year-old wants to play for England and is in contention to break into Southgate’s World Cup squad.
James Tarkowski is not getting carried away with talk of an England call-up.
He 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.”
“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 a decision affected by more than how you’re playing for your club. There are a lot of people out there playing for bigger clubs who are also doing well. You’ve just got to focus on your own job and if he decides to call you up for the squad then so be it.”
