Everton captain James Tarkowski believes "top level" team-mate Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall should have already received a senior international call-up, after consistently turning down the option to play for the Republic of Ireland over England.

"I see myself as English and have it in my head that I can play for England," Dewsbury-Hall told Everton's club channels in December 2025. "I just want to give myself a chance to play for England, which is a lifelong dream. I believe I can do it."

The attacking midfielder has been a standout performer for Everton this season, having scored two goals and registered two assists across 12 appearances in all competitions.

"I don't really like praising him because he tells me how good he is all the time anyway!" Tarkowski told Everton's club channels. "No, honestly, he is top level.

"He has sort of developed a confidence now where he wants to be the one to make the difference all the time. He takes the ball on constantly and he has been terrific for us this season.

"I think he should have already been in the England set-up, but he is obviously in a position which is already full of strength so it is tough for him.

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

"I'm really pleased for him. All he can do now is just keep performing the way he has been and hopefully his chance will come."