James Tomkins is looking forward to getting started as England begin their campaign at the European Under-19 Championship against the Czech Republic this afternoon.
Tomkins and fellow West Ham United academy graduate Freddie Sears are hoping to be involved in the opening game of the tournament against the host nation. With the rest of his club-mates training hard back home, the 19-year old thinks that playing in such an important competition will have its own plus-points. "I don't feel this will affect my pre-season, if anything it will benefit me and I'm looking forward to getting back into the international set-up," he said. "There will be more football than I would have had with pre-season training but it all helps towards my fitness and sharpness for the new season."
Tomkins' involvement at the Euros means he will miss West Ham United's prestigious pre-season tour of North America. The central defender admits he is frustrated at not going, but thinks that playing in the championship will give him valuable experience to take forward into the league season. He said: "It was in the back of my mind that I'm missing out on the tour to America but this is a good tournament with good coverage on the television and a great test against some of the best players in Europe in my age group."
Both youngsters enjoyed successful runs in the first team towards the end of last season and although Tomkins' mind is fixed on his country for now, he cannot wait to join the rest of the squad at Chadwell Heath to push for a regular first-team place. He said: "When I get back from England I will keep working hard in training and see where it leaves me."
England, who have not qualified for the tournament since finishing as runners-up in 2005, kick-off against the Czech Republic in Liberec at 4.30pm London time, live on Eurosport. After today's game, the Young Lions play Italy on Thursday followed by Greece on Sunday. If England finish in the top two of Group A, they will go on to play the winners or runners-up from Group B, which contains Spain, Germany, Bulgaria and Hungary.