Having been making all the headlines recently with his superb season at centre-back for West Ham, James Tomkins barely 23 years old, has not only been named in the Npower Championship team of the season along side team mate Mark Noble, he was also voted Hammer of the year runner-up, behind, again, Mark Noble. Then again, this begs to differ with asking why is Mark Noble not in the England senior squad. Then again, not only that, he has never had a senior cap, so what chance has Tomkins got?
Over the past season, Tomkins has grown up immensly and has certainty proved himself having cemented his position at centre-back alongside Winston Reid. Having been with the club since the age of just 8, he has just as much claret and blue blood in him as Mark Noble and finds himself in a similar position.
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It is still possible for Tomkins to be chosen for the England under 21 squad having made 10 appearances, but more than likely with only 2 matches up and coming this September, these would be the last matches he would be eligible to play. With John Terry guaranteed a place in the starting line up for the Euros next month, these does not look like much competition between Joleon Lescott, Phil Jones or even Gary Cahill.
Phil Jones is still only 20 years old and has only made 5 appearances for the England senior squad, but he has been chosen to represent England at the Euros. Why has he been chosen over the likes of James Tomkins? This is proabably because he plays for Manchester United. It seems playing for the top 6 in the Premiership you are automatically chosen by rights to play for England. It seems that no matter how well Tomkins plays will he ever be given the chance to grace the heart of England`s defence?
James Tomkins was named man of the match in Saturday`s game against Blackpool, but would he need to play for a ‘top 6 club’ at least to be noticed by the newly appointed England manager Roy Hodgson?
Having signed a contract to stay with the Hammers until 2016, Tomkins has pledged his future to the club he loves and adores. Having signed this contract and turning down the interest from Spurs and Newcastle, he has always been committed to the Hammers. Tomkins has previously stated that he is motivated by the team he plays with and not money.
To achieve every footballers ambition, playing for their country, Tomkins has the potential to do so and he seems like he has the right head on his shoulders. He is still young but if he keeps playing the way he has done for West Ham and playing back in the Premier League he will up his game and surely he will play for England at the next World Cup in 2014.
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He possesses drive, ambition and leadership at centre-back and is in the frame for future West Ham Captain. Tomkins has grown in stature and is oozing more confidence than ever. Staying the level-headed young man that he is, he will surely but up there to be chosen for England alongside the likes of Phil Jones.
This Premier League campain will be a tough test for the West Ham team, but focusing on Tomkins, this is a chance for him to show what he is really capable of and proving that he can handle and compete with some of the top players in the world. Keeping the back two tight and seaping as little goals as possible is a bit ask, but if Tomkins wants to compete with the big boys at the World Cup he will have to show he is worthy of this place. Tomkins is a force to be recokoned with in the air and this is one of his best attributes. He has showed that he is more than just a defender getting forward and scoring a number of crucial goals for West Ham last season.
Seeing how this season shapes up will play a crucial role in Tomkins future if he is to break into the England senior squad, sooner, rather than later.
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Not quite ready for a full call up, but James has made huge strides over the past two seasons in terms of reading a game and learning to contain attackers, a part of his early game that was found wanting I felt, and a good season in the Prem will see him right up there with some of the bigger name defenders if he maintains the form he has shown. His aerial power is top class and at long last we actually look dangerous forom set plays when hes prowling the back of the box.
Great prospect, level headed, decent young man, and a huge future ahead im sure. A Hammers legend in the making ??
Not quite ready for England? Michael Dawson and Phil Jagielka have played for England. Tomkins is certainly ready. The reason he isn’t in the squad is because he’s been out of the Premier League. A good season against Billy Sharpe and Gary Taylor-Fletcher et al hardly proves his international pedigree. He’ll be deservedly capped next season.