James Tarkowski Eager to Help Everton Bounce Back

By the Editorial Team · Monday, August 3, 2026

James Tarkowski voiced frustration over Everton’s seven-game winless streak at the end of last season, which saw them finish 13th and miss out on European competition. As the club prepares for the new campaign under manager David Moyes, Tarkowski highlighted positive pre-season results and the hopeful return of key defender Jarrad Branthwaite as signs of progress.

James Tarkowski expressed disappointment over Everton’s late-season form as the club prepares for the upcoming campaign with renewed ambition. The Toffees ended last season on a seven-game winless streak, finishing 13th in the Premier League and missing out on a potential European qualification place after earlier promising results.

Tarkowski described the conclusion of the previous season as “gutted,” reflecting on significant away victories against Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Newcastle that contrasted with their slump in the final weeks. “We won some massive away games last year, so it was a disappointment the way it ended,” he said. “But today’s another day.”

Everton recently secured a morale-boosting 2-1 victory over Hamburg in a pre-season friendly, following a draw at Bolton and a loss to Stoke. Tarkowski, who completed 90 minutes against the Bundesliga side, indicated that positive results contribute to building confidence and momentum ahead of the new campaign.

Looking ahead, Tarkowski highlighted the progress the club is making, including a potential transfer deal for Christian Norgaard from Arsenal. He also emphasized the importance of the squad’s returning players, particularly centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite. Branthwaite, who has struggled with hamstring injuries, started alongside Tarkowski in the friendly, making only his second pre-season appearance as he works toward full fitness. “We all know how good Jarrad is when he is fit and playing,” Tarkowski noted. “He’s been through a lot. I know how hard he works. Fingers crossed he stays fit and on the pitch because we know what an asset to our team he is when he is.”

At 33, Tarkowski acknowledged the considerable changes Everton experienced last season, including new ownership and the arrival of manager David Moyes midway through the campaign. “There was a lot of change last year. The manager had come in six months before. There were a lot of new faces,” he said. “Hopefully this season goes a bit different.”

With pre-season underway and encouraging signs emerging, Everton and Tarkowski appear focused on reversing the disappointments of the past and pushing for improved performances as the new season approaches.

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