Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Thu 9 October 2025 11:10, UK

James Tarkowski will go down among the most reliable Everton defenders of the Premier League era.

Everton rewarded Tarkowski with a new contract on Wednesday, with the extension set to see the defender stay at the Hill Dickinson Stadium until at least 2028.

The former Burnley man joined on a free transfer in 2022, and has been a constant in the Toffees team ever since.

Tarkowski has formed a superb partnership with Michael Keane this season, in the absence of his usual partner Jarrad Branthwaite.

Jordan Pickford and James Garner are expected to sign new Everton contracts after Tarkowski, with David Moyes keen to secure his team’s future.

James Tarkowski remains on two England caps

Jack Grealish was snubbed by Thomas Tuchel for an England call-up last week, despite the winger’s extraordinary form for Everton.

The winger has lit up the Hill Dickinson Stadium since his arrival in the summer, scoring a goal and providing four assists in the Premier League so far this season.

But perhaps there should be some consideration thrown to the way Tarkowski has been ignored by England, too.

The defender has received two caps, both coming in 2018, but has never been called on since.

Tarkowski had been eligible to play for Poland, but admitted himself that he would have found it difficult to represent a nation other than England.

And the Three Lions have missed out. According to Squawkwa, since the start of the 2021-22 season, no player has registered more duels or aerial duels won, clearances, headed clearances, blocks or interceptions.

And this season, Tarkowski has continued to stand out against the likes of John Stones, who was called up to the England camp.

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Tarkowski happy to have played for England

Tarkowski told Sky Sports in May that he is happy to have played for England at all, despite the ignorance that has been shown towards his performances since.

“You’re competing against some very good players who are playing for top teams so sometimes that’s the way it works out. Other people have good seasons elsewhere and they get ahead of you,” the 32-year-old said.

“I’m not going to sit and moan, I’ve managed to play for England so I’ve been very very fortunate.“

At the back of Tarkowski’s mind, however, will be the possibility of a final call-up. The defender has not slowed down in his early 30s, and with an injury or two, could rise up the ranks in Tuchel‘s mind.

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