Hammers Set To Star For England Under-17s

WEST Ham United Academy players James Tomkins and Lee Hales are in the England Under-17 squad to face Turkey in an international friendly at Notts County's Meadow Lane this evening.

Defender Tomkins is a regular at this level with eight caps. But for Hales it is his first call-up at Under-17 level having figured for the England Under-16s in the prestigious Victory Shield.

Lee said: "It's been great to get back into the squad and I'm really looking forward to it.

"Most of the England lads have come through the younger sides as well and many of them played in the Victory Shield team, so I knew quite a few of the boys.

"Also having James there will be good and it's good for the Club to have two players in the squad."

This is Lee's first year on the Academy staff, and he admits that the transition from schoolboy to full-time Hammers player has not been easy.

He added: "It has been different and at times it's been a struggle. It's different getting used to playing football every day, but it is all coming together now.

"My Dad is a footballer (Kevin Hales was a former Leyton Orient player who had his testimonial against West Ham United) and I get a lot of help from him.

"I've always had plenty of encouragement from my family, but they have never pressurised me.

"My Dad gives me plenty of advice when I need it, but the staff at West Ham United are fantastic. I've been at the Club for seven years now so I've grown up with the Hammers."