James Tarkowski insists he is happy at Burnley and does not need to move to fulfil his England ambitions.
The defender has been capped twice and was named on the standby list for the World Cup in 2018 but pulled out to have hernia surgery.
Tarkowski said: “Obviously on a personal level I want to be in that team and be in that squad. I feel like I’m in the best position I’ve ever been in in terms of fitness and the way I’m playing. All I can do is keep trying to perform to the level I have been and hopefully catch the manager’s eye.”
Tarkowski’s exploits at Turf Moor have certainly not gone unnoticed, though, and he was the subject of significant speculation regarding his future during the summer.
He said: “It’s sort of part and parcel of the game these days. I think every player at some point in their career will have to deal with speculation from the media about where they’re going to end up and who they’re going to play for.
“My job is just to play football to the best of my ability, which is something I always want to do, and I always want to show that I can do consistently. So that’s all I could do, whether it was here or elsewhere.
“I’m happy to be here and happy the way the season’s going so far. I’ve loved my time here, it’s been brilliant. The manager’s treated me so well and improved my game so much.
“I love my day-to-day life of coming into training and being part of this group. And obviously when things are going well on the pitch that’s even better.”
Tarkowski’s England recognition came in the season in which the Clarets finished seventh, and he hopes continued strong performances can lead to a recall.
“I made the England squad playing for Burnley so I don’t see why I can’t make the England squad playing for Burnley again,” he said.
“It’s all about my performances being up there and, if the team’s doing well, that can only help me as well.”
