Everton defender Conor Coady ‘gutted’ for teammate James Tarkowski
Everton defender Conor Coady has suggested that he is “gutted” for his teammate James Tarkowski who wasn’t picked for the World Cup squad.
Gareth Southgate named his squad for the World Cup in Qatar to be held in a few days’ time, and he has picked Everton duo Coady and Jordan Pickford.
Many had expected Southgate to pick Tarkowski as well, but that didn’t happen. Coady suggests that everyone at the club is sad about the decision.
“I’m good mates with Tarky [Tarkowski], I sit next to him in the dressing room, I spend a lot of time with Tarky, obviously in Everton every single day,” said Coady, as quoted by TalkSPORT.
“I’ve gotten really close to him, he’s a really, really good friend of mine and we’re all gutted for him, everybody at the football club is gutted for him.
“Because it’s such a huge honour, it’s a huge thing to go to a World Cup, I think we all know that ourselves. We were all gutted for him, and it’s the same with Mings as well.”
Bad luck
Tarkowski joined the Toffees in the summer transfer window on a free transfer after his contract with Burnley expired.
The 29-year-old defender has been in superb form this season, forging a strong partnership with Coady at the heart of defence.
The central defender has made 14 starts in the Premier League, and he certainly came into contention for selection.
Tarkowski has managed 1.7 interceptions and made 5.4 clearances per games, according to Whoscored.
However, Southgate has gone with players who are regular to the national side, whereas Tarkowski hasn’t played for the country since 2018.
The likes of John Stones, Ben Whites, Eric Dier and Harry Maguire have been selected along with Coady for the central defensive role.
Frank Lampard probably won’t feel bad about it. The break will provide Tarkowski the much-needed rest he deserves, and he will be super fresh when the league resumes after the World Cup.