James Tarkowski set for Everton captaincy as behind-the-scenes support shared

James Tarkowski could be named as the new Everton captain shortly.

The Blues are looking for a new skipper after Seamus Coleman departed at the end of his contract.

The 33-year-old has been acting as the Toffees' vice-captain, so it would not be too much of a step up.

Jordan Pickford and James Garner could also be contenders, but it seems like the ex-Burnley man will win the battle.

He was a reliable presence at the back for the Merseysiders last season, making 37 appearances.

The decision will likely be made in the coming weeks as David Moyes' side kick off their season on 22 August against Crystal Palace.

Why is James Tarkowski set to be named as Everton captain?

Moyes faces a critical decision as Coleman was such a leader for the club in his 17-year stint.

A report from the Liverpool Echo on Friday claims that he is set to take the armband for the 2026-27 season.

It states that he is not short of backing from the ranks behind the scenes when it comes to the role.

Moyes has already made it clear how he feels about Tarkowski's leadership.

Speaking in March 2026, he said: “I think Tarky is a really good leader. He trains really well every day.

“He's a big example to the players in how he prepares himself and gets himself ready for the games. He has lots of really good strengths - he's got some weaknesses as well - but, overall, since I've come in, certainly he's been very good.”

What has Tarkowski said about taking a leadership role?

Tarkowski was a constant figure in the last campaign, and he has shared his thoughts on having the armband.

Speaking to the Echo on Friday, he said: “I’ve worn the armband on the pitch quite a few times for the club now. It’s always a privilege, it’s always a special moment because of some of the great people who have captained this football club in the past, none more so than Seamus.”

Those comments suggests that he is aware of the responsibility and pressure that it takes to lead the Hill Dickinson Stadium outfit.

He would be a popular choice for the role among the fanbase as he gives his all week in, week out, and he has already shown that he can manage it as the number two in L3.

It will not be an easy task, given how important that Coleman was off the pitch, but if anyone can handle it, it is the two-cap international.

He has already held the role while the Irishman was injured for the majority of the last season, and shown that he can have the required impact.

Players like Pickford, Garner and Jarrad Branthwaite would have fancied taking the role on, but they are not as ready for it as Tarkowski.