James Tarkowski has missed out on the England squad yet again despite topping all the defensive statistics across the Premier League.
The Toffees’ centre half tops all the defensive metrics across the English top flight, even coming out on top over Liverpools’ Virgil Van Dijk.
According to Squawka data, the 32-yard-old should’ve had a day to remember on October 3rd, when he could have been called-up to the Three Lions camp.
For Tarkowski, this would’ve been the first time since 2018 that England come calling but it seemed to be another day of ignorance towards the Blues’ skipper.
It’d be wrong to single out Thomas Tuchel for this decision.
Gareth Southgate turned a blind eye to Tarkowski for seven years after awarding him his first two caps.
He also didn’t feature under Lee Carsleys’ brief tenure.
In the previous five seasons, Tarkowski tops many of the key defensive metrics across the pinnacle of English football, according to Squawka.
To come out on top, whilst playing under five different managers in this period, who all have very different brands of football, remains a testament to not only his quality but his character. So, why is he being forgotten by the Three Lions?
Thomas Tuchel has named his latest England squad 🏴
There’s no place for Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Adam Wharton or Jack Grealish ❌ pic.twitter.com/ZksjPT2O7O
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) October 3, 2025
The centre back options for Tuchel admittedly, look rather bare.
The standout decision within the list may be Ezri Konsa, who has been chosen to represent the nation over the Everton captain for example, despite the disappointing start for Unai Emery’s side.
Across all three defensive data measure, despite the small sample size of being only seven games into the season, the 32-year-old yet again continues to top the charts.
The old argument that England needs to build for the future with their squad can also not be used by the German head coach as 33-year-old Dan Burn and 31-year-old John Stones both feature in the squad again.
Yet again, it’s not as if the experienced Three Lions are outperforming the former Burnley centre back.
The comparison to Dan Burn is the real shocking statistic within this piece. Tarkowski narrowly edges the six foot five Geordie across all metrics bar interceptions.
Burns’ position on the left side of the Newcastle defence may also be the reason why more passes are cut out by the Magpies defender through more opportunity to intercept an incoming cross.
Nevertheless, the John Stones selection makes less sense.
With only four appearances for Manchester City this season, missing nearly 50% of the Sky Blues’ Premier League games, his selection seems to be based on his previous England form, rather than his current club form.
If that was not the case, then it could be said that the former Chelsea manager would find it difficult to explain why the Everton captain has been left behind, yet again.
It’s important to recognise that David Moyes’ style of football isn’t particularly the brand that Tuchel is trying to implement but with defensive data so in favour of the Toffee skipper, it certainly raises questions as to why he remains not part of England plans.
As for his clubs’ plans, James Tarkowski put pen to paper on a two-year contract extension, securing his services at the Hill Dickinson stadium until at least 2028.
While, the current Everton captain remains unwanted by Thomas Tuchel’s side, a new deal shows that for his club, he’s irreplaceable at the moment.
