James Alexander Tarkowski (born 19 November 1992) is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre‑back for Premier League club Everton. He has previously played for Stockport County, Brentford, and Burnley. Tarkovsky has not made an appearance for the senior England national team.
Early life and education
James Tarkowski was born in Manchester, England. He grew up in the suburb of Cheadle and attended St. Thomas' College. He began playing football at a young age, joining the youth system of Stockport County while still in his teens.
Club career
| Years | Club | Appearances* | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010–2014 | Stockport County | 104 | 6 |
| 2014–2016 | Brentford | 71 | 8 |
| 2016–2022 | Burnley | 180 | 6 |
| 2022–present | Everton | 43 (as of June 2024) | 2 |
*Appearances refer to league matches; cup and continental competitions are excluded.
- Stockport County – Tarkowski broke into senior football with Stockport County in the Conference Premier, becoming a regular starter and helping the club avoid relegation in the 2012–13 season.
- Brentford – In June 2014, he signed for League One side Brentford. His performances contributed to Brentford’s promotion to the Championship via the play‑offs in the 2014–15 season.
- Burnley – Tarkowski transferred to Premier League club Burnley in July 2016 for an undisclosed fee reported to be around £3 million. He established himself as a key defender, making over 150 league appearances and helping Burnley retain top‑flight status on several occasions.
- Everton – He joined Everton on a free transfer in July 2022, signing a four‑year contract. Tarkowski quickly became part of Everton’s defensive rotation, noted for his aerial ability and marking.
International career
Although eligible for England, Tarkowski has not earned a senior cap. He has been mentioned in provisional squad discussions but has not featured in an official match for the national team.
Playing style
Tarkowski is recognised for his physical stature (approximately 1.93 m), aerial dominance, and strong tackling. He primarily operates as a centre‑back in a four‑man defence but can adapt to a back‑three system.
Personal life
Beyond football, Tarkowski is known for his charitable involvement with community projects in the North of England. He is married and has children.
References
- Premier League official player profile (2024).
- Club announcements from Brentford FC, Burnley FC, and Everton FC.
- Match statistics compiled by recognized sports data providers (e.g., Opta, Transfermarkt).
