JAMES Tarkowski hopes another England call-up will help his game to grow, for club and country.

The defender has endured a tough start to the season, with Burnley still awaiting their first Premier League win and last week exiting the Europa League before the group stages.

But with Saturday’s UEFA Nations League opener against Spain at Wembley and Kick It Out international against Switzerland at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium on Tuesday to prepare for, Tarkowski is aiming to use the international experience to help him progress at all levels of the game.

“I’m looking forward to it. It’s nice to get that call up again,” said Tarkowski, who is the only Claret in Gareth Southgate’s England squad this time.

“I want to get as many caps as I can but just to be a part of it is a great privilege. I’m just looking to improve as a player and with the players that you’re around when you’re here - the quality among some of the best players in this league - it’s a great privilege to be here.

“From the first time I got called up it’s something that I’ve wanted to be involved in again.

“Every time I get called up it’s a great honour. I’m really looking forward to it.

“I’ve had a couple of camps now and it’s been nice.

“I’ve been getting to know the lads, the staff, the people involved. The more times you’re there the more settled you feel. I really enjoy meeting up with them, it’s a great honour.”

After helping to secure a seventh placed Premier League finish for the Clarets last season and earning his first cap in March, Tarkowski was named on Southgate’s five-man standby list for this summer’s World Cup, but had to withdraw to have a hernia operation.

“It’s always great to be a part of the set up, to represent your country, so I’ll see how it goes,” he added.

“It doesn’t feel natural yet, I’ve only had one cap at the moment so it’s going to take a bit more time. I’ve really enjoyed doing it, as have all the lads that have met up with the squad, so I’ll look forward to meeting up again.

“After the World Cup run, which was really positive, I’m sure they’ll be looking to build on that.”

In the meantime, Burnley have a fortnight to reflect on a tough opening to the 2018/19 campaign, and prepare for league action resuming with a trip to newly promoted Wolves on Sunday, September 16.

The Clarets signed off before the break with a 2-0 home defeat to Manchester United - their third straight league reverse, having lost to Watford and Fulham.

“As a club United were looking for a response and we wanted one ourselves,” said Tarkowski of the weekend game.

“I thought they started well, their fans have always been good for them, through good and bad, and I think it showed.

“They started really well, we rode it out pretty well but once one goes in it always puts you on the back foot.

“We stuck at it, we did our best, but it was another tough day.”

Romelu Lukaku scored both goals for Jose Mourinho’s men, the second on the stroke of half-time.

“He’s always scored goals at this level and you have to try and do your best to stop him. Unfortunately he got that goal and then the second one is a bit fortunate,” Tarkowski added.

“There were a couple of blocks and then it landed right at his feet and he’s put it away.”