James Tarkowski says he has full belief he can break into Gareth Southgate’s England squad, as he revealed how the “unbelievable coaching” and positive environment at Everton has provided a platform to produce his best form.

Tarkowski has been an instrumental part of an Everton side which boasts the joint second-best defensive record in the Premier League this term.

Only Brighton & Hove Albion have conceded fewer than the Blues’ six goals, with the Seagulls having played one game fewer than Everton.

Summer signing Tarkowski has been a figure of authority, composure and class in Everton’s backline, and has made more blocks than any other player in the top-flight (15). Only two players, meanwhile, have made more clearances than Tarkowski’s 42.

The 29-year-old has won two senior international caps and, with the Qatar World Cup on the horizon, says he is focused on sustaining his early-season momentum and contending for a place in the England squad.

Tarkowski told evertonfc.com: “I’ve got full belief in myself that I’m more than good enough to play for England. Absolutely.

“The opportunity is still there at the moment for players to get into the squad.

“We’ll see how it goes. I just have to perform to the best of my ability.

“I feel like I’ve started pretty well here at Everton. The team is playing well and that can only benefit me.

“There’s a great group of people here – lads on the pitch and people in the background. There is a real positive environment here.

“Everyone is looking up and looking to the future and we are excited about where this team can go. I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Everton are unbeaten in six games in all competitions and go into Saturday’s Premier League clash at Southampton on the back of a 1-0 victory over West Ham United at Goodison Park.

Tarkowski described the collective confidence among the players and staff that the Blues can further elevate their performances and have a successful season.

“There is still a lot more to come from this team," he added.

“We’re showing the start of something good here but we need to keep developing – that’s with the ball, without the ball, on the training pitch and on matchdays.

“The coaching has been unbelievable. We’ve had a bit of a turnaround in terms of playing style and formation has changed already this season, but everyone seems to know their jobs.

“When the Arsenal game was called off, there was a feeling of disappointment. Arsenal have been playing really well and the Emirates is a tough stadium to go to, so to be disappointed that game’s called off, we’re obviously thinking, ‘We must fancy ourselves to go to there and do well’.

“We were desperate to get back playing again and against West Ham we went out there and performed.

“People are excited to be training and looking forward to games. So far, there have been very good signs.”