Tarkowski Backs Dewsbury-Hall for England Call-Up

Everton captain James Tarkowski has backed midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall for an England call-up, saying the Blues player should already be included in Thomas Tuchel's squad.

Dewsbury-Hall has been in outstanding form for the Toffees, earning Player of the Match honours in Monday night's 1-0 victory at Newcastle United. It followed another strong display in Everton's 3-1 Carabao Cup win over the Magpies.

Tarkowski said his teammate has "developed a confidence to want to make the difference", a quality Dewsbury-Hall showed throughout a well-rounded performance at St James' Park.

The 28-year-old made three key passes, completed 100 per cent of his dribbles and covered 11.9km, the second-most on the field.

"I don't really like praising him because he tells me how good he is all the time!" Tarkowski joked to evertontv.

"No, he's top level. He really is. I think he's developed a confidence now where he wants to be the one to make the difference all the time.

"He takes the ball constantly and he's been terrific for us."

Three Lions boss Tuchel will confirm his squad on Friday at 10am GMT for England's upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Spain.

Tarkowski believes Dewsbury-Hall deserves a senior England debut. "I think he should be in the England set-up already," he said. "He's obviously in a position where there's so much strength in that England set-up already, so it's tough for him.

"But I see him day in and day out and the quality he brings and also the mentality he brings to the team.

"So, I'm really pleased for him, and all he can do is just keep performing the way he has done, and hopefully [the call-up] will come."