After last season’s misery and the financial situation they found themselves in, the new campaign looked decidedly bleak for Everton. Especially after the sale of their top scorer in Richarlison.

However, some shrewd business saw eight major deals completed for just £68m, and Frank Lampard’s revolution had truly begun.

The first of those deals, and one which likely went under the radar at first with how shrewd a transfer it was, James Tarkowski on a free instantly added Premier League experience, solidity and leadership that they wholeheartedly lacked last season.

Unsurprisingly, he has gone on to excel at the back for a Toffees team that have conceded just 12 goals so far, the third-best record in the league thus far.

It marks a sensational step up from the 66 goals conceded during their narrow escape from relegation last year.

The former Burnley colossus has been instrumental in this turnaround, with the 29-year-old boasting an average SofaScore rating of 7.30.

With regard to the upcoming World Cup, that is a rating that betters Harry Maguire, Conor Coady, Tyrone Mings and even John Stones; most of whom are likely to be called up as they often have in recent times.

It almost proves Martin Keown’s claim, that the 6 foot 3 goliath is “the best English centre-half we have that's playing regularly”.

He further supports this with his mammoth 5.7 clearances per 90 yet boasts a wide range of passing that would make him perfect for Gareth Southgate’s system. His 81% pass accuracy is solid, but with a 51% accuracy with long balls, this marks a fine return on passes that could potentially split a defence apart.

Although having not featured for the national side since 2018, there would be no better time for a recall than now; and how deserved it would be.

Tarkowski would likely perform admirably at the centre of a back three, as the commanding presence to lead his faster counterparts.

The fact that Everton have switched so dramatically from a team that could not stop conceding to one that rarely does stands as a glowing endorsement to the job he has done at his new club.

Perhaps the £100k-per-week star could continue this form to Qatar, should Southgate give him a chance, and help push England closer to the elusive and immortal trophy.