ENGLAND boss Gareth Southgate felt James Tarkowski proved he could cope with the demands of international football on his debut.

The Clarets centre back won his first Three Lions in the Wembley draw with Italy on Tuesday night.

Although Tarkowski's night was marred by conceding the penalty from which the Italians equalised in the closing stages, the Burnley man was comfortable on the ball and played well on the left of a three-man defence.

“I don’t think we’ve seen things that have necessarily surprised us, but there’s been some really strong performances from individuals," Southgate said after the 1-1 draw.

“It was really good to see James Tarkowski, we’ve got people we feel can play in a back three, and have done well, but he showed he can cope with international football, against good opposition.

“He was very comfortable on the ball and played some really calm moments."

Tarkowski accidentally stood on Chiesa's foot as the Italian substitute sought to break into the penalty area and a corner was initially given.

But the decision was subject to a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review and Deniz Aytekin reversed his decision and gave the spot-kick, from which Lorenzo Insigne cancelled out Jamie Vardy's opener.

“Well, it is what it is, we have to accept the ruling," Southgate said of the decision.

"I think in this instance, my only observation would be that I don’t think it’s clear and obvious. They are two areas for improvement, it generally is the right way to go.

“I prefer the referee’s decision is final, because it’s sport and we shouldn’t be talking about how much money it’s cost or lost, but if we are going to go with technology, then I think it’s the right thing to do.

“It has to be only clear and obvious, and there has to be a better way of communicating with fans.

“At least tonight they knew something was going on, but ideally there is clearer communication for those in the stadium, when those at home have a better idea of what’s going on, I’m not sure that’s the right thing.

“But if we’d have had it in Holland, I think we’d have had a penalty, and probably a red card for the opposition after two minutes, so you will benefit from some decisions and not from others."