Former Everton man Martin Keown thinks James Tarkowski has been the best English defender in the Premier League this season but insists his lack of pace could cost him a place in Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad.
The Blues star conjured up another fine defensive display on Saturday afternoon, alongside Conor Coady, as Frank Lampard's side thrashed Crystal Palace 3-0 at Goodison Park thanks to goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Anthony Gordon and Dwight McNeil.
Southgate was in attendance on Merseyside for the victory as he continues his country-wide assessment of players ahead of naming his final 26-man squad for the Qatar tournament in just over two weeks' time.
