James Tarkowski keeping England World Cup dream alive at Everton and hails Three Lions stars Jordan Pickford and Conor Coady

Everton star James Tarkowski admits he's still dreaming of a spot in England's 2022 World Cup squad and believes he's in the perfect place to do it.

The 29-year-old centre-back is earning rave reviews in a stoic Toffees defence which has conceded just 12 goals - only one more than both Arsenal and Man City.

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In that backline he plays with Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate's first-choice goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and squad regular Conor Coady, who recently revealed to talkSPORT about their World Cup coffee chats.

Former Burnley man Tarkowski, though, despite England's defensive frailties of late, has not been involved in a squad since 2019 and made his only two appearances in 2018.

Nevertheless, his current form leaves him hopeful a trip to Qatar is a possibility and he feels he's in the perfect environment to stake his claim.

Asked about his chances, he told talkSPORT: "I'm not against talking about it because hopefully there's the potential for me to be going there and I want to get myself involved.

"I'm just trying to get out there on the pitch and perform and show what I'm all about.

"I'm playing with England's No.1 behind me, an England regular in the squad next to me as well. I'm just enjoying playing football and then if by doing that I get in the England squad then happy days."

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With some players picking up worrying injuries ahead of the tournament, it's been felt some are playing within themselves, something Tarkowski believes may be true.

He, however, is just taking it one match at a time.

The Everton star added: "I suppose maybe the lads who are guaranteed to be going there, maybe it's playing on their minds a little bit more but, for myself, I'm just enjoying my football.

"I'm just thinking about the games ahead of me before the break comes and then we'll see what comes after that."

Playing alongside Pickford and Coady gives Tarkowski a huge advantage over some potential England centre-backs.

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And away from a potential Three Lions call-up, he's loving playing with the duo.

"[Understanding each other] is obviously massive, especially at the back. I think it's pivotal, especially when you can get a consistency in a partnership. I had it with Ben Mee and Nick Pope at Burnley, which worked quite well.

"At the minute I've got the same again with Conor Coady and Jordan [Pickford]. Jordan is an incredible goalkeeper. I think if you saw the game yesterday [against Fulham] and some of the saves he made, they're top end. He's been doing that for years now.

"And Coady's experience - he's one of the best leaders I've seen in terms of the way he talks and the way he plays. So, yeah, it's been a pleasure to play alongside both of them."