The last time a West Ham player captained England was in 1966 and we all know what happened in that year don’t we? England won the World Cup. With the talk of captaincy of the national team rife surely it makes sense to have another Hammer as captain. Admittedly not for the next captain as there are no Irons on the brink of an England call up, The next captain I believe should be an ex Hammer, Scott Parker.
The player who I believe could be a future England captain? The maturing centre half James Tomkins who I believe with the right nurturing under Big Sam and his coaching team can be the next Phil Jones. Tomkins who broke into the West Ham team in 2008 has come along a great deal since his costly slip at Goodison Park, which allowed Yakubu to score. He has matured into a reliable centre half and with his ability to read the game improving surely it won’t be long until he receives a call up.
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Tomkins has the opportunity to play for the Great Britain team at the Olympics in 2012 and he will need all the experience at international level he can get if he is to receive that captain’s armband in 5 years time. But I’m sure that he will perform on the biggest stage, a national tournament.
The Basildon born defender is West Ham through and through much like Moore, and has been at the club since aged just seven. I admit it is harsh to compare him to such greatness, but he has the potential to be a West Ham great. His loyalty is admirable he remains committed to the club despite admiring eyes of Alan Pardew and Harry Redknapp. The 22 year old ignored the speculation and instead signed a new long term contract to the club he has been so much a part of most of his life.
Back to the question of England captaincy, could the Basildon born man take up the reigns in 5 years time? For now it is impossible to say, but if he continues to perform at the level he is at now he is sure to be a full England international in the next few years. But to be captain you need more than just experience. You need to be able to lead your team. Has he got that yet? No but a few years as captain at club level could help his captaincy credentials. Another thing you need is the ability to inspire your team mates. Does he have this? Well if any of what Scott Parker did rubbed off on him he is sure to have that in his locker. You need to be loyal and have a squeaky clean reputation. Loyalty is no question for Tomkins who loves the club he is at and always will.
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So picture the scene, It’s the World Cup group stage, Tomkins has been named vice captain for the tournament and fellow centre half Phil Jones now captain of England goes down injured. The stretcher comes out and the armband is passed to James. He places it on with pride and barks instructions to his fellow team mates. England under his guidance and a little help from his fellow West Ham peers Ravel Morrison and Robert Hall reach the semi-finals against the Germans. With the scores locked at 0-0 with a minute to go captain fantastic puts in a last ditch block to ensure that it goes to extra time. Where there are no goals. Onto to the dreaded English penalty shootout, with the score at 6-6 and the Germans seeing there penalty saved by the ageing Joe Hart. Tomkins steps up to takes the penalty which would send England to the final. Images of Pearce and Southgate run though the heads of the watching English fans. Tomkins steps up and smashes the ball into the bottom corner and go on to face Argentina in the finals.
Lionel Messi vs. Tomkins was the main talking point before the final, but the as the game begun the coin toss between Messi and Tomkins saw the first victory for James., as the coin fell England’s way. England would kick towards the England fans in the second half. Three West Ham players lined up in the final of the World Cup. Last time this happened England went onto to win the World Cup. Surely it couldn’t happen again could it? England went on to win the game 4-2. Goals from the West Ham boys meant James Tomkins went up to lift the World Cup. And for years to come proud Hammers fans said “We won the World Cup again”.
Nice dream isn’t it?
For now James focus on getting us back to where we belong and continue this form and make this dream a reality.
Come on You Irons!
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the next phil jones, behave tonks has a bit more potential than that jones is alright but he makes a lot of mistakes and aint great in the air. pull your head out your arse
Dreams can come true, or was that a song. anyway nowt wrong havin dream. coyi