JAMES Tarkowski can go 'right to the top', according to his Clarets defensive colleague Charlie Taylor.

The centre back was named in a fourth successive England squad on Thursday and Taylor believes he has all the tools to be one of the best in his position.

Tarkowski's patience at Turf Moor is being rewarded now with the 25-year-old striking up a fine partnership with Ben Mee and his performances for Burnley since the start of last season have seen him named in every Three Lions squad since March, although he had to withdraw from standby duty for the World Cup to have hernia surgery.

But he was back in the squad last month, winning his second cap in the friendly against Switzerland, and has been included for the Nations League double header against Croatia and Spain.

"He’s brilliant, he’s such a strong player, very good on the ball as well. He’s got everything really. He can go right to the top," Taylor said of Tarkowski.

"Tarky’s done brilliantly, he was brilliant last year, and he’s continued that this year and he’s getting the rewards with being in the England squad.

"There’s Ben Mee as well, who’s done brilliant. They’re a real good pairing. They work well together with their different styles of play. They’re a strong rock at the back for us.”

England boss Gareth Southgate was at Turf Moor for the 4-0 win against Bournemouth two weeks ago and continues to keep an eye on the Clarets, with Tom Heaton, Nick Pope and Jack Cork also making squads on his watch.

“He comes to Burnley quite a lot to watch, there’s a lot of English players in the squad here," Taylor said.

"The squad’s developing now and it’s getting better year on year. Obviously, we’ve got Tarky, but we’ve got other internationals as well. The squad’s got quality throughout it.”

Taylor has taken over left-back duties from Stephen Ward recently and the Yorkshireman will renew familiar acquaintances with Huddersfield today, having faced them several times in derbies while at Leeds.

But the 25-year-old missed the ill-tempered draw at the John Smith's Stadium in February 2017 when David Wagner and Gary Monk clashed on the touchline towards the end of the Terriers' 2-1 win.

Wagner sprinted down the touchline to celebrate Michael Hefele's late winner and was then involved with a confrontation with Monk on his return to the technical area, with the then Leeds boss accusing Wagner of lacking 'class, humility and respect'.

"I was injured, but I do remember it," Taylor said of the heated derby. "I was out with an Achilles injury, but Woodsy (Chris Wood) scored that day, unfortunately we didn’t win, but it was an interesting watch.

"We were big rivals, it was always a big game with big atmosphere and I always looked forward to them."

Taylor will hope to claim bragging rights today and secure a third straight win for the Clarets.

"Three wins are huge in the Premier League, it can propel you right up the table," Taylor said.

"We know what they’re all about, we’ve done all the analysis on them. They’re going to be desperate, they’ve not had a win yet, we’re going to be prepared for that."