Young Hammers defender James Tomkins was on
international duty on Tuesday evening.
The promising centre-half, who celebrates his 17th birthday today,
played the full 90 minutes for England's under-17 side in a 2-2
draw with Italy at Huddersfield Town's McAlpine Stadium.
The match was the first of three in the space of five days for
England, as part of the Elite qualifying round for the UEFA
European Under-17 Championships, which take place in Luxembourg in
May.
England face Bulgaria at Barnsley on Thursday evening, and then
take on Russia at Scunthorpe on Saturday. They will need to finish
top of the four-team group in order to qualify for the finals along
with seven other countries.
Basildon-born James has been a regular at under-17 level with
England this season, and has also made several appearances for the
reserve team at Upton Park.
*Click here for more information on the England under-17 matches this week.