Tarkowski Reveals Blues' Fierce Cup Ambition

James Tarkowski says Everton's players and staff are more determined than ever to end the Club's wait for a trophy ahead of a Carabao Cup clash with Wolves.

The Blues head to Molineux – where they won 3-2 in the Premier League last month – in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday night (7.45pm BST), having seen off Mansfield Town in the previous stage of the competition.

Vice captain Tarkowski says there is a palpable hunger to progress further and lift silverware this campaign, citing last year's FA Cup winners Crystal Palace and Carabao Cup victors Newcastle United as sources of inspiration.

"It's massive for us and we're looking forward to it," insisted Tarkowski. "There's definitely an emphasis on us doing well in the cups this year – this is the first one that comes around and after winning in the second round, we want to go again.

"I think we all saw Crystal Palace and Newcastle last season – teams outside of those 'top' ones winning trophies and there's no reason why we can't do that. 

"There's an emphasis on us as a club and as a team to go and win a trophy. Every season there is always an emphasis to do well in the cups but there is definitely a feeling amongst the players and staff to give it everything and win something. We want to enjoy that.

"We've got a good squad now, a bigger squad than we've had in previous seasons, with some lads who need some minutes as well. I'm sure it'll be a strong team out there on Tuesday night.

"There is definitely confidence in the team. We didn't get the result but we went toe to toe with Liverpool [on Saturday], especially in the second half, so we're looking forward to the cup competition now. We've got a team full of quality, a strong group and we're going there with every intention of winning."

Tarkowski, who joined the Toffees on a free transfer from Burnley in the summer of 2022, racked up an impressive 111 consecutive Premier League starts – just two short of record-holder Wayne Bridge (113) and one short of former manager Frank Lampard (112) – before suffering a hamstring injury in April this year.

After missing the majority of pre-season, the defender has once again cemented his place in the heart of defence and is one of only three players – alongside defensive partner Michael Keane and James Garner – to have played every minute of competitive action so far this term.

An appearance against Wolves on Tuesday would mark his 125th in the royal blue of Everton.

"I enjoy the cup games," he added. "I want to play every game, so I'll be hoping I'm playing – I always want to be involved and playing, and I want us to progress because as a club we want to go and win something.

"I remember a couple of years ago we got the quarter-finals of this competition and then lost [to Fulham] in a penalty shootout, so we've been close and I remember it being quite exciting at the time – if we'd won that game we'd have been in the semis.

"Definitely, for me, I want to go and win something – and there's no reason why this year can't be the one."