JAMES TARKOWSKI has been forced to withdraw from England’s World Cup standby list to undergo a hernia surgery.
The Burnley centre-back starred at Turf Moor this season, helping the Clarets secure Europa League football as they finished seventh in the table.
His startling form earned him an England call-up in March, where he made his Three Lions debut against Italy during the 1-1 draw at Wembley.
The 25-year-old’s Burnley team-mate Nick Pope was selected in Gareth Southgate’s 23-man squad for Russia, with the duo training together at St. George’s Park.
A statement from the club said: “Tarkowski, who earned his debut England cap in March, had harboured hopes of travelling to Russia this summer along with team mate Nick Pope.”
Burnley claimed that the ex-Brentford state had been suffering from an ongoing groin issue, and following assessment in recent days, made the choice that surgery was the best option.
They added: “Tarkowski is expected to be fit for the Clarets’ return to pre-season training in early July.
“England have confirmed there are no plans to call up a replacement defender at this time.”
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Despite not naming a replacement thus far, Manchester United’s Chris Smalling looks to be the favourite to take his place.
While Newcastle ace Jamaal Lascelles could be called up by Southgate, as too could Tarkowski’s former team-mate Michael Keane.
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