James Tarkowski is aiming to replace injured defender John Stones in England’s Euro 2020 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Montenegro tonight.

The 26-year-old Burnley centre-back has returned to Gareth Southgate’s squad having missed the last international break through injury.

Tarkowski collected his two England caps either side of the World Cup, having been on standby for Russia before requiring a hernia operation which meant he would not have been able to deputise if called upon.

Having undergone further surgery on the troublesome hernia issue earlier in the campaign, Tarkowski does not intend to be just a spectator as the clamour for places increases.

“Obviously Stonesy isn’t here so there is a position vacant at the moment,” said Tarkowski.

“I want to be a part of the team and be playing, but I understand how hard it is just to make the squad never mind make the starting XI. But I will be doing everything I can to impress.

“It is nice to know that the people in charge of picking the teams believe in the player you are and what you are doing.

“I don’t think I am the finished article. I always work hard on my game to improve and, knowing the managers are backing the work I’m doing, it gives you the confidence to go out there and show what you can do.”

Tarkowski’s Clarets team-mate Dwight McNeil, called in to the Under-20s squad, was promoted to train with the senior side.

“Dwight has been terrific, for a lad of his age nothing seems to phase him,” Tarkowski said of his Turf Moor team-mate.

“He just seems to enjoy playing football and having the ball at his feet. It was great for him to be here and be outside training with the seniors.

“It was probably a great surprise to him but once again he was not phased, just playing football and showing how good he can be.

“I came down for breakfast and could see his head there when he was getting some food. I asked him what he was doing and he said he had been called up to the seniors to train for the day.

“What an opportunity for him, his age and the way it has turned around in the last six months from not really being involved to starting every week at Burnley and training with the England seniors.”