JAMES Tarkowski described his decision to withdraw from standby duty with England to undergo a hernia operation as 'tough'.

But the Clarets centre back feels he made the right call and after going under the knife at the start of June he insists he now feels as good as he has done in a long time.

Tarkowski enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at Turf Moor last term, winning his first England cap against Italy in March. He was one of five players named on the standby list for the World Cup but after spending a week with the rest of the squad at St George's Park he took the decision to withdraw to have the operation.

“It wasn’t something that had come out of nowhere. I had been struggling for a while with it and I knew at some point I had to get it done,” he said.

“It was just finding the right chance and in a World Cup year and after being called up in the March group, it was a difficult decision to make.

“But I feel it was the right one to make going into next season.”

Tarkowski battled through the end of the season with the Clarets with the hernia problem and having been placed on standby for the tournament in Russia he wanted to give himself the best shot of making the tournament.

But after a week in camp he was still being troubled by the injury and felt he couldn't do himself justice while training with Gareth Southgate's squad.

“It was tough with the England one because I was quite new to it and it never looks well when someone just pulls out of the squad, especially before they even turn up," Tarkowski said.

“I felt it was the right thing to do for me to turn up and try my best to get through it.

"But I just didn’t feel right and it’s not fair on myself or the players there if I’m not 100 per cent and I’m called upon and I want to do myself justice when I’m around that group.

“This season is more important.”

After undergoing surgery only a matter of weeks ago Tarkowski is now back at the Barnfield Training Centre, doing some light fitness work two weeks before the rest of the squad report back for pre-season.

“I’ve recovered really well. I’m really surprised to be honest,” he said.

“I thought it would be a bit longer before I was back outside doing work but the surgeon has done a good job and I feel probably the best I have in quite a long time. It’s just getting that fitness back.”

While Tarkowski didn't make the final cut with England his Burnley colleague Nick Pope is in the 23.

Many of the squad have spoken about the positive environment in the camp and from his experiences that is an assessment Tarkowski backs up.

“I really enjoyed myself there and I can see why the lads who are part of it enjoy being around it,” the 25-year-old told Clarets Player.

“It’s a great group of people, players and staff and I’m looking forward to watching it and seeing how they get on.

“I haven’t been around in other World Cups or tournaments so I can’t comment on how it was then, but from what I’ve seen it’ a very positive camp.”