To be an Olympian, it’s every sports man’s dream, but is it a realistic dream for any of our Hammers hopefuls who have made Stuart Pearce’s shortlist for the Great Britain football team?
With four young Irons receiving the initial letter confirming they are being considered. The chances of seeing an Iron representing GB is possible. In total 193 players received a letter, Jack Collison, Mark Noble, James Tomkins and young Robert Hall are all in contention. But who has the best chance of lining up alongside some of the best young players and most experienced players in Great Britain in London 2012, a dream for any claret and blue member in their own backyard.
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Noble talks about the Olympics with pride and hope he says; “With the Olympics also being in London, it gives it an extra attraction – as everyone knows, it is right on our doorstep and I am sure our fans are excited about the Olympics being here as well; it should be an exciting time for London. Being a London club, it is right in our community.”
Firstly I shall give you a bit of background information regarding the selection process for the summer games in London. The final squad will be whittled down to 18 members, 15 under the ages of 23 and three “guest players” over the age of 23. Widely expected to be David Beckham, Ryan Giggs are expected to receive the call up out of courtesy which leaves just one place, it is though with so many experienced players it is unlikely that Mark Noble will receive the big call up. The only hope for Mark is that Fabio Capello calls up all the quality over aged 23 year olds in his Euro 2012 squad. Players called up to the Euro 2012 squad cannot play in both tournaments the FA has announced so the chance of a call up for both Collison and Noble rely on that.
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But for centre back star James Tomkins the chances are far better as he is still under the age of 23. Tomkins who has been a shining light for the Hammers this year has been a rock at the back and will be sure to have caught the eye of ex Hammer Stuart Pearce a no nonsense defender in his day. With 15 under 23 players to choose from I am sure that some of those places have already been filled by players like Bale and Ramsey as well as players like Scott Sinclair. So if Tomkins is going to get the call up he is going to have to continue to play out of his skin for the Irons and continue to impress Pearce and his coaching team. As a Hammer and a long-time admirer of Tomkins I hope he receives the call up he deserves.
As for young Robert Hall, I have only seen a brief appearance last weekend against Nottingham Forest he looked busy and confident on the ball. Whether the Olympics is a step to far for the youngster remains to be seen, but more impressive appearances for the Hammers could mean a few bench appearances for Hall in the summer games. Hall would however have to get much more playing time for the Irons if he is going to come even close to selection. I fear these London Olympics may come a year or two too soon for Robert but his class and quality is there for all to see. I hope to be proved wrong but with Sturridge and Welbeck knocking on the door it seems unlikely.
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I know Robert on a personal level and think it would be great for him to go as he has a very bright future ahead of him but having any hammer there will be amazing.
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