What should we make of Tomkin’s performance for Team GB?

Well, let’s face it. West Ham’s, James Tomkins didn’t exactly set the world alight in the Olympic friendly match against Brazil. But is that necessarily a bad thing? I’ve made a list of factors to consider – girls like lists you see:

1. It’s the first match he’s had since the Play-off final – Let’s remember this is technically pre-season for Tonks, coming back from his summer break since the play-off final. And while the rest of the squad have been facing Southend United, he’s been facing the best team in South America. Yes, he did look rusty but then can we really blame him after a couple of months off?

2. He was playing with a team he was totally unfamiliar with – It’s all very well saying he’s brilliant when he’s playing with the same 10 players he combines with most weeks, but it’s completely different playing with colleagues you don’t normally play in a team with. He wasn’t great, but then I don’t think you could say any member of the GB team was – they need time to gel effectively and work together as a unit rather than a team of individuals.

 

3. Micah Richards did him no favours – Let’s just say this wasn’t a brilliant defensive partnership – the communication between the pair of them wasn’t great and at times they looked really exposed at the back. The Manchester City defender conceded a blatant penalty, and although Tomkins did make some good tackles, the duo didn’t look solid together.

4. It was against Brazil! – This is a side who have come into the competition as favourites, and Tomkins was marking Neymar, who even the best defenders in the world would struggle with. We shouldn’t be too hard on him as he was against a team who are brilliant on the attack.

5. At least he won’t be leaving now if he plays badly – This point is just me being selfish really – if he had played really well, West Ham may have had a lot more interest from clubs looking to buy him. But, as he failed to impress, there seems to be more chance of him still being our number 5 next season. I know James has already come out and said how loyalty matters more to him than money, but if David Gold and David Sullivan got offered enough I’m sure they would let him go!

6. He didn’t get injured – This is what most Hammers fans have been worried about since JT’s selection for team GB. Whilst it’s brilliant that Stuart Pearce has seen the talent that we all have and selected him to represent Team GB in the Olympics, it would be a fat lot of good if he got injured just before the Premier League season starts again. Dean Ashton, anyone? I suppose as much as I want him to do well, the less he plays, the less chance of injury.

I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s not a big deal that he didn’t play fantastically; I’d rather he shows his stuff in the Premier League than for Team GB! What do you lot think? Tweet me at @alwaysintune.