James Alan Tarkowski

James Alan Tarkowski is an English centre-back who was born in Manchester on 19 November 1992. Released by Blackburn Rovers as a teenager, he continued his development in non-league football before joining Oldham Athletic, where he made his senior debut in 2011. Tarkowski moved to Brentford in 2014, helping the club win promotion to the Championship and establishing himself as a regular defender. At Burnley, which he joined in 2016, he became a first-team fixture after Michael Keane left in 2017, forming a formidable partnership with Ben Mee. After Burnley’s relegation, Tarkowski joined Everton on a free transfer in July 2022. He has since provided leadership and defensive security for Everton. He made his England debut in a 1–1 draw with Italy at Wembley in March 2018. Tarkowski is valued for front-foot defending, shot-blocking, aerial duels and determined clearances, while his positioning also supports Everton’s build-up.