Sunday is likely to be James Tarkowski's swansong for Burnley — but he's hoping he hasn't had his last dance for England!

Sunday's game at home to Newcastle United might be James Tarkowski's swansong as a Burnley player.
By Dan Black
Published 18th May 2022, 06:00 BST
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The out-of-contract defender is expected to say his farewells at Turf Moor after spending more than six years at the club.

The ex-Brentford centre back will become a free agent after making just short of 200 league appearances for the Clarets.

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In his second full season at Burnley, the 29-year-old was named in the England squad for pre-2018 FIFA World Cup friendlies against the Netherlands and Italy.

Watford's Brazilian striker Joao Pedro (R) vies with Burnley's English defender James Tarkowski (L) during the English Premier League football match between Watford and Burnley at Vicarage Road Stadium in Watford, north-west of London, on April 30, 2022.Watford's Brazilian striker Joao Pedro (R) vies with Burnley's English defender James Tarkowski (L) during the English Premier League football match between Watford and Burnley at Vicarage Road Stadium in Watford, north-west of London, on April 30, 2022.
Watford's Brazilian striker Joao Pedro (R) vies with Burnley's English defender James Tarkowski (L) during the English Premier League football match between Watford and Burnley at Vicarage Road Stadium in Watford, north-west of London, on April 30, 2022.

He earned his first cap for the Three Lions against the Azzurri at Wembley Stadium as Lorenzo Insigne's penalty cancelled out Jamie Vardy's first half finish in a 1-1 draw.

Tarkowski's last appearance for his country came in September 2018 as he played an hour of the 1-0 victory over Switzerland at Leicester City's King Power Stadium.

However, with Gareth Southgate due to name his squad for UEFA Nations League games against Hungary (x2), Germany and European champions Italy in the summer, Tarkowski was keen to advertise his availability.

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"That's how it goes when you get to the top end of the game, unfortunately for me," said Tarkowski, on being overlooked. "I've not given up on that ambition and hope of playing for England again one day and we'll see what the future holds. I still have the ambition to be there so we'll see what happens.

England's defender James Tarkowski (L) vies with Italy's striker Federico Chiesa during the International friendly football match between England and Italy at Wembley stadium in London on March 27, 2018. The game finished 1-1. / GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty ImagesEngland's defender James Tarkowski (L) vies with Italy's striker Federico Chiesa during the International friendly football match between England and Italy at Wembley stadium in London on March 27, 2018. The game finished 1-1. / GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images
England's defender James Tarkowski (L) vies with Italy's striker Federico Chiesa during the International friendly football match between England and Italy at Wembley stadium in London on March 27, 2018. The game finished 1-1. / GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images

"I think every player wants to be a part of a World Cup so that hope's not gone. I've just got to perform to the level that I know I can do and then we'll see what happens.

"I've not given up on it, that's for sure. I've not retired from international football, just in case anyone was wondering! The ambition is still there, I'm still young enough, I feel like I've got something to give, so we'll see what the future holds."

Related topics:James TarkowskiBurnleyEnglandNewcastle UnitedItaly