James Tarkowski

{{short description|English footballer (born 1992)}} {{Use British English|date=March 2020}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}} {{Infobox football biography | name = James Tarkowski | image = James Tarkowski (Oct 2017).jpg | caption = Tarkowski playing for Burnley in 2017 | full_name = James Alan Tarkowski | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992|11|19|df=y}} | birth_place = Manchester, England | height = {{convert|1.85|m|order=flip}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/teams/first-team/defender/james-tarkowski/ |title=James Tarkowski |publisher=Burnley F.C. |access-date=28 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824205626/https://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/teams/first-team/defender/james-tarkowski/ |archive-date=24 August 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | position = Centre-back | currentclub = Everton | clubnumber = 6 | youthyears1 = | youthclubs1 = Blackburn Rovers | years1 = 2008–2009 | clubs1 = Maine Road | caps1 = 0 | goals1 = 0 | years2 = 2009–2014 | clubs2 = Oldham Athletic | caps2 = 74 | goals2 = 5 | years3 = 2014–2016 | clubs3 = Brentford | caps3 = 70 | goals3 = 4 | years4 = 2016–2022 | clubs4 = Burnley | caps4 = 198 | goals4 = 7 | years5 = 2022– | clubs5 = Everton | caps5 = 146 | goals5 = 5 | nationalyears1 = 2018 | nationalteam1 = England | nationalcaps1 = 2 | nationalgoals1 = 0 | club-update = 23:53, 24 May 2026 (UTC) | nationalteam-update = }} '''James Alan Tarkowski''' (born 19 November 1992) is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for {{English football updater|Everton}} club Everton.

Tarkowski began his professional career at Oldham Athletic of League One, where he made 89 appearances across all competitions. In January 2014, he moved to Brentford for an undisclosed fee, winning promotion to the Championship in his first season. Two years later he signed for Burnley. He made his debut for England in March 2018.

==Early and personal life== James Alan Tarkowski<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/612828 |title=Updated squads for 2017/18 Premier League confirmed |publisher=Premier League |date=2 February 2018 |access-date=10 February 2018}}</ref> was born on 19 November 1992<ref>{{Hugman|25491|access-date=4 October 2017}}</ref> in Manchester<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.11v11.com/players/james-tarkowski-237102/ |title=James Tarkowski |website=11v11.com |publisher=AFS Enterprises |access-date=28 March 2018}}</ref> and grew up in New Moston.<ref name=grounded>{{cite news |first=Mike |last=Keegan |title=Tarkowski staying grounded despite United links |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/oldham-defender-james-tarkowski-coy-6207277 |newspaper=Manchester Evening News |date=18 October 2013 |access-date=4 October 2017}}</ref> He attended New Moston Primary School and Failsworth High School, which he left in 2009.<ref name=grounded/> His grandfather was from Poland.<ref>{{Cite web |title=How Tarkowski Fell For 'Special' Everton |url=https://www.evertonfc.com/news/2850682/how-tarkowski-fell-for-special-everton#:~:text=Tarkowski%27s%20grandfather%20was%20from%20Poland,over%20there,%E2%80%9D%20he%20explains. |publisher=Everton F.C. |access-date=2023-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014093654/https://www.evertonfc.com/news/2850682/how-tarkowski-fell-for-special-everton|archive-date=October 14, 2022|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Tarkowski began his career in the youth system at Blackburn Rovers, before being released at the age of 14. After his spell at Blackburn, Tarkowski had a stint playing senior football at Maine Road in the North West Counties League.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://theathletic.co.uk/1939174/2020/08/09/the-more-he-played-the-better-he-got-the-fall-and-rise-of-james-tarkowski/|title= 'The more he played the better he got': The fall and rise of James Tarkowski|work= The New York Times|date=9 August 2020|accessdate=2 May 2021|last1= Jones|first1= Andy}}</ref>

==Club career== ===Oldham Athletic=== ====Early years==== Tarkowski joined League One club Oldham Athletic on a two-year scholarship in May 2009.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jan/04/oldham-james-tarkowski-liverpool-luis-suarez-fa-cup|title=Oldham's young James Tarkowski out to muzzle Liverpool's Luis Suárez|author=Wilson, Paul|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=17 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Young hopefuls sign up |url=http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/10/oldham-athletic/24247/young-hopefuls-sign-up |newspaper=Oldham Chronicle |date=12 May 2009 |access-date=22 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202123132/http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/10/oldham-athletic/24247/young-hopefuls-sign-up |archive-date=2 February 2014}}</ref> He made his reserve-team debut in October 2009. A centre-back,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oldhamathletic.co.uk/team/player-profile/index.aspx?playerid=460961 |title=Oldham Athletic AFC Player Profiles |publisher=Oldham Athletic A.F.C. |date=6 July 2013 |access-date=21 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202225154/http://www.oldhamathletic.co.uk/team/player-profile/index.aspx?playerid=460961 |archive-date=2 February 2014}}</ref> Tarkowski was called up to the first team for the first time for a league match versus Plymouth Argyle on 15 January 2011.<ref>{{cite web |title=Scholars win first team calls |url=http://www.oldhamathletic.co.uk/page/NewsUpdate/0,,10337~2266393,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110116104610/http://www.oldhamathletic.co.uk/page/NewsUpdate/0%2C%2C10337~2266393%2C00.html |archive-date=16 January 2011 |publisher=Oldham Athletic A.F.C. |date=14 January 2011 |access-date=22 January 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> His senior debut came on 22 January, coming on as an 80th-minute substitute for the injured Neal Trotman in a 2–1 home win over Brentford.<ref>{{cite news |title=Oldham 2–1 Brentford |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/9362041.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=22 January 2011 |access-date=22 January 2011 }}</ref> Tarkowski made his first Latics start in a 1–0 defeat to Leyton Orient on 12 March and played the full 90 minutes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.com/player/155226/james-tarkowski?season=2010|title=James Tarkowski |website=ESPN FC |access-date=17 August 2015}}</ref> He was awarded a two-year professional contract by the club in May 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oldhamathletic-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/tarkowski_signs__pro_deal_679577/index.shtml |title=Tarkowski signs pro deal |website=Latics Mad |publisher=Digital Sports Group |date=28 May 2011 |access-date=4 October 2017}}</ref> He made 9 appearances during the second half of the 2010–11 season.<ref name="sb1011"/>

Tarkowski had to wait until 10 December 2011 to make his first appearance of the 2011–12 season,<ref name=espn>{{cite web|url = http://www.espnfc.com/player/155226/james-tarkowski?season=2011|title = James Tarkowski|publisher=ESPN FC |access-date = 17 August 2015}}</ref> when he came on as a 61st-minute substitute for Jean-Yves Mvoto in a 2–0 home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/16015587 |title=Oldham 0–2 Sheffield Wed |publisher=BBC Sport |date=10 December 2011 |access-date=21 April 2014}}</ref> A half time substitute appearance in Oldham's 2–1 Football League Trophy Northern Area final first leg defeat to Chesterfield on 30 January 2012 kicked off a run which saw Tarkowski included in almost all of Oldham's first-team squads until the end of the season.<ref name=espn /> Tarkowski crowned his run of appearances by scoring his first senior goal for the club on the final day of the season in a 2–1 win over Carlisle United.<ref name="firstoldhamgoal">{{cite news |title=Oldham 2–1 Carlisle|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/17878476|access-date=5 May 2012|publisher=BBC Sport |date=5 May 2012}}</ref> He made 18 appearances during the 2011–12 season and scored one goal.<ref name="sb1112"/>

====Breakthrough==== [[File:James Tarkowski 21-07-2012 1.jpg|thumb|upright|Tarkowski playing for Oldham Athletic in 2012]]

Tarkowski began the 2012–13 season as a first-choice centre-back alongside Jean-Yves Mvoto and started Oldham's first six games of the season.<ref name="sb1213"/> He scored his first goal of the season in a 2–0 league win over Crewe Alexandra on 2 October 2012.<ref name="Crewe 0–2 Oldham">{{cite news |last=Scott |first=Ged |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19709768 |title=Crewe Alexandra 0–2 Oldham Athletic |publisher=BBC Sport |date=3 October 2012 |access-date=21 April 2014}}</ref> Tarkowski played a part in Oldham's run to the fifth round of the FA Cup, playing in the first round win over Conference Premier team Kidderminster Harriers and starting in the home draw and away replay defeat to Premier League team Everton in the fifth round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/player/155226/james-tarkowski?season=2012|title=James Tarkowski|publisher=ESPN FC|access-date=17 August 2015}}</ref> He scored his second goal of the season in a 2–1 league win over Stevenage on 19 February 2013.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21448791 |title=Stevenage 1–2 Oldham |publisher=BBC Sport |date=19 February 2013 |access-date=21 April 2014}}</ref> Tarkowski made 26 appearances and scored two goals during the 2012–13 season.<ref name="sb1213"/> He signed a new two-year contract in the summer of 2013.<ref>{{cite news | title = Tarkowski Signs New Contract | url = http://www.oldhamathletic.co.uk/news/article/20130613-tarkowski-863934.aspx | publisher = Oldham Athletic A.F.C. | date = 13 June 2013 | access-date = 13 June 2013}}</ref>

Tarkowski began the 2013–14 season with a bang, scoring Oldham's first goal in a 4–3 away league win over Stevenage on the opening day.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23474975 |title=Stevenage 3–4 Oldham |publisher=BBC Sport |date=3 August 2013 |access-date=21 April 2014}}</ref> He was picked by the Latics supporters as Oldham's Player of the Month for August 2013.<ref name=oldham2292013>{{cite web|url=http://www.oldhamathletic.co.uk/news/article/20130922-potm-1069654.aspx |title=Tarkowski wins award |publisher=Oldham Athletic A.F.C. |access-date=21 April 2014}}</ref> Now lining up at centre-back alongside Jonathan Grounds,<ref name=grounded/> Tarkowski scored his second goal in a 2–1 defeat to Preston North End on 9 September 2013.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23925593 |title=Preston 2–1 Oldham |publisher=BBC Sport |date=9 September 2013 |access-date=21 April 2014}}</ref> Tarkowski was an ever-present in Oldham's runs to the Northern Area semi-final of the Football League Trophy and the third round of the FA Cup.<ref name="sb1314"/> He started the FA Cup third round tie against Premier League team Liverpool at Anfield and scored an 82nd minute own goal, which consigned the Latics to a 2–0 defeat.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sanghera |first=Mandeep |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/25539775 |title=Liverpool 2–0 Oldham Athletic |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=21 April 2014}}</ref> Tarkowski's form saw him offered a new contract extending until the end of the 2016–17 season on 22 January 2014,<ref>{{cite news | title = Oldham: James Tarkowski offered new Latics deal | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/25846815 | publisher = BBC Sport | access-date = 22 January 2014}}</ref> but he departed Boundary Park 9 days later.<ref name=Brentford31114>{{cite web |url=http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/news/article/james-tarkowski-31.01.14-1330159.aspx |title=Brentford Sign James Tarkowski |publisher=Brentford F.C. |access-date=21 April 2014 |archive-date=2 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140402022931/http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/news/article/james-tarkowski-31.01.14-1330159.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref> During his time with the Latics, Tarkowski made 89 appearances and scored six goals.<ref name=soccerbase/>

===Brentford=== Tarkowski signed for League One club Brentford on a three-and-a-half-year contract for an undisclosed fee on 31 January 2014.<ref name=Brentford31114/> After a period on the bench, he made his Brentford debut with a start in a 0–0 draw away to Carlisle United on 1 March.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/26301913 |title=Carlisle United 0–0 Brentford |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 March 2014 |access-date=21 April 2014}}</ref> He scored his first goal for the club on his third appearance, heading in to send the Bees on their way to a 2–0 victory over Tranmere Rovers on 11 March.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/26428674 |title=Brentford 2–0 Tranmere Rovers |publisher=BBC Sport |date=11 March 2014 |access-date=21 April 2014}}</ref> Four days later, Tarkowski was sent off for the second time in his career during a 1–0 win over Leyton Orient.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/26492931 |title=Leyton Orient 0–1 Brentford |publisher=BBC Sport |date=15 March 2014 |access-date=21 April 2014}}</ref> Following Brentford's promotion to the Championship on 18 April, Tarkowski scored his second goal for the club in a 2–2 draw at Milton Keynes Dons on 21 April.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27016685 |title=Milton Keynes Dons 2–2 Brentford |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 August 2013 |access-date=21 April 2014}}</ref> He finished the 2013–14 season with 13 appearances and two goals.<ref name="sb1314"/>

Tarkowski began his first season at Championship level as an ever-present in the Bees' league matches.<ref name="sb1415"/> He suffered a dip in form in September and early October, stepping up to take his first penalty for the club in a league match versus Leeds United on 27 September and hammering the ball over the bar.<ref name=":7">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/29289510|title=Brentford 2–0 Leeds United|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=3 May 2015}}</ref> He was spared his blushes, with Jota and Alan McCormack on target in the eventual 2–0 win.<ref name=":7" /> Tarkowski gave away a penalty in a 2–1 defeat to Watford on 30 September and received his fourth yellow card of the season (his third in four matches).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/29320618|title=Watford 2–1 Brentford|author=Osborne, Chris|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=3 May 2015}}</ref> Another yellow card in a 0–0 draw with Wigan Athletic on 18 October saw him incur a suspension and he failed to appear again until 28 December,<ref name="sb1415"/> scoring what proved to be Wolverhampton Wanderers' winner with an own goal in a 2–1 defeat.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30566334|title=Wolverhampton Wanderers 2–1 Brentford|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=3 May 2015}}</ref> Despite the blunder, Tarkowski held onto his starting place and scored his first goal of the season against Reading on 25 April 2015, making sure of the points with the second in a 2–0 win.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.com/player/155226/james-tarkowski?season=2014|title=James Tarkowski|publisher=ESPN FC |access-date=3 May 2015}}</ref> Tarkowski had the opportunity to convert a late penalty to make it two goals in two games in the following match against Wigan Athletic, but his miss made little difference with the Bees already 3–0 ahead.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/32460049|title=Brentford 3–0 Wigan Athletic|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=3 May 2015}}</ref> He appeared in both legs of Brentford's 5–1 playoff semi-final aggregate defeat to Middlesbrough and finished the 2014–15 season with 38 appearances and one goal.<ref name="sb1415"/>

Tarkowski helped salvage a 1 –1 draw with Ipswich Town on the opening day of the 2015–16 season, assisting Andre Gray to score in stoppage time,<ref>{{cite news|title = Brentford 2–2 Ipswich Town|url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/33744133|publisher = BBC Sport |access-date = 9 August 2015}}</ref> before scoring an 96th-minute equaliser to earn a place in the Football League Team of the Week.<ref>{{cite web|title = Sky Bet Football League Team of the Week|url = http://www.football-league.co.uk/news/article/2015/sky-bet-football-league-team-of-the-week-2607652.aspx|publisher = The Football League|access-date = 10 August 2015|first = Alex|last = Butcher}}</ref> He suffered a displaced fracture of the nose in the following match versus Bristol City,<ref>{{cite web|title = Brentford FC Injury update|url = http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/news/article/brentford-fc-injury-update-18.08.15-2629059.aspx|publisher = Brentford F.C.|access-date = 27 September 2015|first = Brentford|last = FC|archive-date = 30 August 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160830055245/http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/news/article/brentford-fc-injury-update-18.08.15-2629059.aspx|url-status = dead}}</ref> but kept his place alongside Harlee Dean until suffering a calf injury in a 1–1 draw with Leeds United on 12 September.<ref>{{cite web|title = September injury update|url = http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/news/article/september-injury-update-23.09.15-2705230.aspx|publisher = Brentford F.C.|access-date = 27 September 2015|first = Brentford|last = FC|archive-date = 29 May 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160529150332/http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/news/article/september-injury-update-23.09.15-2705230.aspx|url-status = dead}}</ref> He missed two matches before being sent off on his return in a 2–1 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.<ref>{{cite news |title = Brentford 1–2 Sheffield Wednesday|url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34300233|publisher = BBC Sport |access-date = 27 September 2015}}</ref> Amidst a number of transfer bids,<ref>{{Cite news|title = Brentford's James Tarkowski refuses to play in match against Burnley|url = https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jan/15/brentford-james-tarkowski-burnley-championship|newspaper = The Guardian|date = 15 January 2016|access-date = 25 January 2016|issn = 0261-3077 |agency=Press Association}}</ref> Tarkowski was internally disciplined for refusing to play in Brentford's match versus Burnley on 15 January 2016,<ref>{{cite web|title = Club statement: James Tarkowski|url = http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/news/article/club-statement-james-tarkowski-15.01.16-2903724.aspx|publisher = Brentford F.C.|access-date = 15 January 2016|archive-date = 1 February 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160201164202/http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/news/article/club-statement-james-tarkowski-15.01.16-2903724.aspx|url-status = dead}}</ref> for which he later apologised.<ref>{{cite web|title = James Tarkowski issues personal statement|url = http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/news/article/james-tarkowki-issues-personal-statement-25.01.16-2920320.aspx#l2Ohe2lhYXp4tpuF.99|publisher = Brentford F.C.|access-date = 25 January 2016|archive-date = 1 February 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160201170039/http://www.brentfordfc.co.uk/news/article/james-tarkowki-issues-personal-statement-25.01.16-2920320.aspx#l2Ohe2lhYXp4tpuF.99|url-status = dead}}</ref> He failed to appear for the Bees again and departed Griffin Park two weeks later, having made 74 appearances and scored four goals in two years with the club.<ref name="soccerbase">{{cite web|url=http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=58187 |title=5 James Tarkowski |website=Soccerbase |publisher=Centurycomm |access-date=11 August 2018}}</ref>

===Burnley=== [[File:James Tarkowski TomHeaton.jpg|thumb|upright|Tarkowski (centre) playing for Burnley in 2017]]

On 1 February 2016, Tarkowski signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Championship club Burnley for an undisclosed fee.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Clarets Sign James Tarkowski |url=http://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/news/article/clarets-sign-james-tarkowski-2932970.aspx |publisher=Burnley FC |date=1 February 2016 |access-date=1 February 2016 |archive-date=17 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817014136/http://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/news/article/clarets-sign-james-tarkowski-2932970.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref> Tarkowski made his club debut on 20 February against Rotherham United, entering as a substitute in the first half for Michael Keane, who was forced off with a head injury.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/14293941.Defender_James_Tarkowski_believes_there_s_more_to_come_from_Burnley_side/ |title=Defender James Tarkowski believes there's more to come from Burnley side |newspaper=Lancashire Telegraph |first=Suzanne |last=Geldard |date=22 February 2016}}</ref> Tarkowski deputised for Keane for the next two games, with Burnley victorious against Nottingham Forest and Bolton Wanderers.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/14339170.Clarets_defender_Keane_praises_Tarkowski__but_is_happy_to_be_back_in_the_side/ |title=Clarets defender Keane praises Tarkowski, but is happy to be back in the side |newspaper=News Shopper |first=Suzanne |last=Geldard |date=12 March 2016}}</ref> However, Keane was preferred by manager Sean Dyche at right centre-back upon his return to fitness as Tarkowski was limited to one substitution appearance the rest of the season. In third position in the table at the time of Tarkowski's signing, Burnley went unbeaten the rest of the season as they won their third ever second-tier title and direct promotion to the Premier League on their first attempt.

Tarkowski was handed the captain's armband for Burnley's 1–0 extra-time defeat to fourth-tier Accrington Stanley in the EFL Cup on 24 August, after Dyche had made 10 changes to the team that upset Liverpool four days prior.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37103144 |title=Accrington Stanley 1–0 Burnley (AET) |publisher=BBC Sport |date=24 August 2016}}</ref> Tarkowski made his Premier League debut on 27 August at Chelsea, coming on as a substitute and receiving a booking for a foul in the run-up to Chelsea's final goal in the 3–0 defeat.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uptheclarets.com/no-answer-to-chelsea |title=No answer to Chelsea |website=UpTheClarets |first=Tony |last=Scholes |date=28 August 2016}}</ref> Unable to crack the preferred centre-back partnership of Keane and Ben Mee,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/15020080._It___s_not_been_easy____Burnley_defender_James_Tarkowski_admits_life_on_bench_can_be_tough/ |title='It's not been easy' – Burnley defender James Tarkowski admits life on bench can be tough |newspaper=Lancashire Telegraph |first=Tyrone |last=Marshall |date=12 January 2017}}</ref> Tarkowski received scant playing time, despite being an ever-present on the bench.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/news/2017/april/tarkowski-no-loss-of-momentum/ |title=Tarkowski: No Loss Of Momentum |publisher=Burnley F.C. |date=26 April 2017 |access-date=2 October 2017 |archive-date=3 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003075041/https://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/news/2017/april/tarkowski-no-loss-of-momentum/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> He was a halftime substitution on 23 April 2017 against Manchester United for Mee, who left with a shin injury,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.com/club/burnley/379/blog/post/3110996/burnley-fall-to-deserved-defeat-vs-man-united-as-joey-barton-struggles |title=Burnley fall to deserved defeat vs Man United as Joey Barton struggles |publisher=ESPN FC |first=Jamie |last=Smith |date=23 April 2017}}</ref> opening the door for his first Premier League start on 29 April against Crystal Palace. Tarkowski endured being hit by an object thrown by a Palace fan during celebrations of Ashley Barnes' opening goal en route to a clean sheet. Manager Dyche lauded his performance as "outstanding".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/15259045.Sean_Dyche_hails__outstanding__James_Tarkowski_as_battle_for_places_in_Burnley_side_hots_up/ |title=Sean Dyche hails 'outstanding' James Tarkowski as battle for places in Burnley side hots up |newspaper=Lancashire Telegraph |first=Tyrone |last=Marshall |date=3 May 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.com/club/burnley/379/blog/post/3118567/james-tarkowski-capable-of-filling-the-void-left-by-michael-keane-at-burnley |title=James Tarkowski capable of filling the void left by Michael Keane at Burnley |publisher=ESPN FC |first=Jamie |last=Smith |date=4 May 2017}}</ref> Tarkowski would retain his place in the team for Burnley's final four fixtures, during which Burnley ensured their participation in the next edition.

During the summer transfer window, teammate Michael Keane departed for Everton, allowing Tarkowski to line up with Mee in the centre of Burnley's defence on a full-time basis.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/burnley-not-planning-replace-michael-10992919 |title=Burnley not planning to replace Michael Keane – because they have a ready-made successor in the building |newspaper=Daily Mirror |first=David |last=Anderson |date=15 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11671/10935840/michael-keane-joins-everton-from-burnley |title=Michael Keane joins Everton from Burnley |publisher=Sky Sports |first=Dev |last=Trahan |date=4 July 2017}}</ref> Assigned the shirt number 26 initially, Tarkowski assumed the number 5 shirt vacated by Keane ahead of the season. Tarkowski's performance against Crystal Palace on 10 September was deemed Man of the Match worthy by Sky Sports, as Tarkowski held Benteke and Palace without a goal.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/15529718.Sean_Dyche_backs_defensive_work_of_James_Tarkowski_as_he_cements_Burnley_place/ |title=Sean Dyche backs defensive work of James Tarkowski as he cements Burnley place |newspaper=Lancashire Telegraph |first=Tyrone |last=Marshall |date=13 September 2017}}</ref> His 17 clearances in the match were the most by anyone in the Premier League that season, besting a mark previously held by himself in Burnley's surprise opening day victory over Chelsea.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11708/11054419/is-defending-a-dying-art-burnleys-james-tarkowski-bucks-the-trend |title=Is defending a dying art? Burnley's James Tarkowski bucks the trend |publisher=Sky Sports |first=Adam |last=Bates |date=27 September 2017}}</ref>

He scored in Burnley's opening game defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion in the 2021–22 Premier League season.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Burnley vs Brighton LIVE!|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/burnley-vs-brighton-and-hove-albion/live/446289|access-date=2021-08-14|website=Sky Sports}}</ref> On 10 June, Burnley announced Tarkowski would leave the club at the end of June when his contract expired.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/content/burnley-fc-retained-list-confirmed |title=Burnley FC Retained List Confirmed |publisher=Burnley F.C. |date=10 June 2022 |access-date=2 July 2022}}</ref>

===Everton=== On 2 July 2022, Tarkowski signed for Premier League club Everton on a free transfer following his release from Burnley, signing a four-year contract.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61757131 |title=James Tarkowski: Everton sign former Burnley centre-back on free transfer |website=BBC Sport |date=2 July 2022 |access-date=2 July 2022}}</ref> On 6 August 2022, Tarkowski made his debut for the club in a 1–0 home defeat against Chelsea in the Premier League.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12666700/everton-0-1-chelsea-jorginho-penalty-earns-blues-first-win-at-goodison-park-since-2017 |title=Everton 0–1 Chelsea |website=Sky Sports |date=6 August 2022 |access-date=6 August 2022}}</ref> On 30 January 2023, Sean Dyche was appointed as Everton's manager,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11671/12796509/sean-dyche-everton-confirm-former-burnley-boss-as-their-new-manager-on-two-and-a-half-year-contract |title=Sean Dyche: Everton confirm former Burnley boss as their new manager on two-and-a-half-year contract |website=Sky Sports |date=30 January 2025 |access-date=13 February 2025}}</ref> reuniting Tarkowski with his former coach. On 4 February, in Dyche's first match in charge of Everton, Tarkowski scored the only goal of the match as Everton beat league leaders Arsenal 1–0 at Goodison Park.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64436127 |title=Everton 1–0 Arsenal |website=BBC Sport |date=4 February 2023|access-date=5 February 2023}}</ref> In the 2022–23 season, he was the only outfield player to play all 3,420 minutes in the Premier League.<ref>{{cite tweet |user=SkySportsPL |title=James Tarkowski was the ONLY outfield player with every minute of the 2022/23 Premier League season under his belt |number=1663583550979932161 |date=30 May 2023 }}</ref> Furthermore, he managed to produce the most blocks during the season with a total of 76.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/3545864 |title=2022/23 in numbers: Which players made most tackles and blocks? |publisher=Premier League |date=25 June 2023 }}</ref> He finished the following 2023–24 season as the player with the most aerial duels in the league during 144 occasions.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.statmuse.com/fc/ask/most-aerial-duels-won-in-the-premier-league |title=Most aerial duels won by a player in the premier league this season |publisher=StatMuse |access-date=23 May 2024 }}</ref> In addition, he became the first player in league's history to make more than 50 blocks in three consecutive seasons.<ref>{{cite web |last=Prentice |first=David |url=https://www.evertonfc.com/news/4013275/why-tarkowski-ranks-among-leagues-best |title=Why Tarkowski Ranks Among League's Best |publisher=Everton F.C. |date=16 May 2024 }}</ref>

On 12 February 2025, in the last Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, Tarkowski, who was club captain, scored a dramatic last-minute equaliser as Everton drew 2–2 with league leaders Liverpool.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/czd41jzgl66t |title=Everton 2–2 Liverpool: Everton rescue dramatic draw as Merseyside derby ends in chaos|website=BBC Sport |date=12 February 2025|access-date=13 February 2025}}</ref>

On 8 October 2025, Everton announced a 2 year contract extension for Tarkowski until 2028.

==International career== Tarkowski was eligible to play for Poland through his grandfather but preferred to play for England, stating "I've always seen myself as an English person so to play for Poland would be difficult."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/12016/11298525/england-new-boy-james-tarkowski-admits-playing-for-poland-would-have-been-difficult|title=England new-boy James Tarkowski admits playing for Poland would have been 'difficult'|date=20 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/football-notebook-burnley-star-holding-out-for-england-lgf9fkbjb |title=Football Notebook: Burnley star holding out for England |first=Matt |last=Hughes |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=16 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/former-bee-good-enough-play-13738531|title=Former Bee good enough to play for England – and we get more money if he does – says Brentford owner|first=Tim|last=Street|date=9 October 2017}}</ref> On 15 March 2018, he was named in the England squad for pre-2018 FIFA World Cup friendlies against the Netherlands and Italy in March.<ref>{{cite news |title=England call-ups for uncapped quartet as Jack Wilshere earns recall |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43344416 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=15 March 2018 |access-date=15 March 2018}}</ref> He made his debut on 27 March when starting in the 1–1 draw with Italy at Wembley Stadium.<ref>{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |title=England 1–1 Italy |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43466395 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 March 2018 |access-date=27 March 2018}}</ref>

On 16 May 2018, he was one of five players named on standby for Gareth Southgate's 23-man England national team squad for the World Cup, but Tarkowski was reported to have withdrawn from the standby list later for a hernia operation.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44138600 |title=England World Cup squad: Trent Alexander-Arnold in 23-man squad |publisher=BBC Sport |date=16 May 2018 |access-date=17 May 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44275387 |title=Burnley defender James Tarkowski to leave England set-up for hernia operation |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 May 2018 |access-date=27 May 2018}}</ref>

==Career statistics== ===Club=== {{updated|match played 24 May 2026}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" |+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|FA Cup !colspan="2"|League Cup !colspan="2"|Europe !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan="5"|Oldham Athletic |2010–11<ref name="sb1011">{{soccerbase season|58187|2010|access-date=21 April 2014}}</ref> |League One |9||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0||9||0 |- |2011–12<ref name="sb1112">{{soccerbase season|58187|2011|access-date=21 April 2014}}</ref> |League One |16||1||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||2{{efn|name=FLT|Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy}}||0||18||1 |- |2012–13<ref name="sb1213">{{soccerbase season|58187|2012|access-date=21 April 2014}}</ref> |League One |21||2||3||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||1{{efn|name=FLT}}||0||26||2 |- |2013–14<ref name="sb1314"/> |League One |26||2||5||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||4{{efn|name=FLT}}||1||36||3 |- !colspan="2"|Total !72||5||8||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||7||1||89||6 |- |rowspan="4"|Brentford |2013–14<ref name="sb1314">{{soccerbase season|58187|2013|access-date=28 March 2018}}</ref> |League One |13||2||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||13||2 |- |2014–15<ref name="sb1415">{{soccerbase season|58187|2014|access-date=4 October 2017}}</ref> |Championship |34||1||1||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||2{{efn|Appearances in Championship play-offs}}||0||38||1 |- |2015–16<ref name="sb1516"/> |Championship |23||1||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||23||1 |- !colspan="2"|Total !70||4||1||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||2||0||74||4 |- |rowspan="8"|Burnley |2015–16<ref name="sb1516">{{soccerbase season|58187|2015|access-date=4 October 2017}}</ref> |Championship |4||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||4||0 |- |2016–17<ref>{{soccerbase season|58187|2016|access-date=4 October 2017}}</ref> |Premier League |19||0||4||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||24||0 |- |2017–18<ref>{{soccerbase season|58187|2017|access-date=7 September 2018}}</ref> |Premier League |31||0||0||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||33||0 |- |2018–19<ref>{{soccerbase season|58187|2018|access-date=2 July 2022}}</ref> |Premier League |35||3||2||0||0||0||5{{efn|Appearances in UEFA Europa League}}||0||colspan="2"|—||42||3 |- |2019–20<ref>{{soccerbase season|58187|2019|access-date=2 July 2022}}</ref> |Premier League |38||2||2||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||40||2 |- |2020–21<ref>{{soccerbase season|58187|2020|access-date=2 July 2022}}</ref> |Premier League |36||1||2||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||39||1 |- |2021–22<ref>{{soccerbase season|58187|2021|access-date=2 July 2022}}</ref> |Premier League |35||1||1||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||37||1 |- !colspan="2"|Total !198||7||11||0||5||0||5||0||colspan="2"|—||219||7 |- |rowspan="5"|Everton |2022–23<ref>{{soccerbase season|58187|2022|access-date=28 August 2023}}</ref> |Premier League |38||1||1||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||40||1 |- |2023–24<ref>{{soccerbase season|58187|2023|access-date=21 April 2024}}</ref> |Premier League |38||1||3||0||4||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||45||2 |- |2024–25<ref>{{soccerbase season|58187|2024|access-date=28 September 2024}}</ref> |Premier League |33||1||1||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||34||1 |- |2025–26<ref>{{soccerbase season|58187|2025|access-date=18 August 2025}}</ref> |Premier League |37||2||1||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||40||2 |- !colspan="2"|Total !146||5||6||0||7||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||159||6 |- !colspan="3"|Career total !486||21||26||0||15||1||5||0||9||1||541||23 |} {{notelist}}

===International=== {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;" |+ Appearances and goals by national team and year<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe237540/james-tarkowski/international-matches/ |title=James Tarkowski: Internationals |website=worldfootball.net |date=5 January 2014 |publisher=HEIM:SPIEL |access-date=28 August 2023}}</ref> |- !National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals |- |England |2018||2||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total||2||0 |}

==Honours== '''Brentford''' *Football League One second-place promotion: 2013–14<ref>{{cite book |editor-first=John |editor-last=Anderson |title=Sky Sports Football Yearbook 2014–2015 |year=2014 |publisher=Headline Publishing Group |location=London |isbn=978-1-4722-1251-1 |pages=74–75}}</ref>

'''Individual''' *Oldham Athletic Player of the Month: August 2013<ref name="oldham2292013" />

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== {{Commons category}} * [https://www.evertonfc.com/teams/Men/jamesalantarkowski Profile] at the Everton F.C. website * {{UEFA player}}

{{Everton F.C. squad}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Tarkowski, James}} Category:1992 births Category:Living people Category:People from Moston, Manchester Category:Footballers from Manchester Category:English men's footballers Category:Men's association football defenders Category:Maine Road F.C. players Category:Oldham Athletic A.F.C. players Category:Brentford F.C. players Category:Burnley F.C. players Category:Everton F.C. players Category:English Football League players Category:Premier League players Category:England men's international footballers Category:English people of Polish descent Category:21st-century English sportsmen