When I heard Danny Murphy say “James Tarkowski is the best English centre-half” this morning on Match Of The Day I thought I was still asleep and had to rewind to double-check that he was actually praising an Everton player, but he did actually say it!
Former Everton defender Martin Keown also heaped praise on Tarkowski saying
“I think Tarkowski, I mean the statistics suggest he’s the best (English defender in the Premier League), I don’t think he’s [Gareth Southgate] going to go with him. For me, I just look at pace. I don’t want to take anything away from him because I know he’s been outstanding, his leadership as well I really like.”
"He is the best English centre half that is playing regularly." 👀
A lot of love for James Tarkowski and Conor Coady after Everton's win over Crystal Palace but should they be going to the World Cup? 🤔
Watch live: https://t.co/L1t2mMBN4d #MOTD pic.twitter.com/RlK2Ne2CT7
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) October 22, 2022
Since signing in the summer, Tarkowski and Coady have quickly become fan favourites. The older fans will see similarities to ‘proper defenders’ like Dave Watson in the 90’s, Richard Gough, David Weir and Phil Jagielka all old-fashioned defenders who loved to defend first.
After rejecting Steven Gerrard in the summer as well, Tarkowski has settled in perfectly ranking number 1 for blocks made, 2nd for clearances and aerial duels and joint third for most interceptions. With Jordan Pickford and Conor Coady as his keeper and centre back partner, Gareth Southgate could look towards adding to Tarkowski’s two caps that he made four years ago.
It would be great if Southgate called both Tarkowski and Coady up to the World Cup squad as they both deserve it on performances this season, but we all know Harry Maguire and John Stones both currently nursing hamstring injuries will get called up to the squad before the like of Tarkoski, Dan Burn or Lewis Dunk.
What do you think? Should Tarkowski be in Southgate’s World Cup plans? Get in touch via our socials Facebook and Twitter @EFCVital
Check out episode 3 now of the Vital Premier League Podcast below.
We talk about last weekend’s games, Ivan Toney to the World Cup? and VAR (recorded Tuesday night)
Do you have anything you would like us to discuss on episode 4 this Tuesday? Let us know
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