Sir Trevor Brooking has been speaking about the club's England connections ahead of a major weekend for the Under-21s and senior squad.
The FA's director of football development is in Qatar ahead of the full international friendly against Brazil on Saturday evening but will first be keeping track of the Young Lions when they take on Portugal earlier in the day at Wembley. With regard to the U21s, Sir Trevor said the latest 2011 UEFA European Championship qualifier was a big chance for Zavon Hines to test himself.
"It is an important game for the European Championships. Tournament experience at international level is really important and there's nothing better than tournament football where you play games in quick succession against different types of opposition. Anyone who gets a chance to play in one of those teams enjoys the experience."
Robert Green and Matthew Upson will be flying the Hammers flag for England against the might of Brazil, but as ever there will be many on view with connections to the club's Academy. "Against Holland this year, there were about nine players that had come through the West Ham system. We've got a great reputation.
"The tradition of playing the 'West Ham way' that Ron Greenwood really put in place [back in the 60s] is something now that Fabio Capello wants in the future - where you have ten outfield players who are comfortable on the ball and the goalkeepers throwing it out to the back and playing it up through the midfield.
"That's something we've been doing here [at West Ham] for 30 or 40 years. Any youngster who gets his chance to learn his trade here will have basic ingredients to play anywhere and I think that is a great encouragement and why we've got so many youngsters that want to play here."
The former England midfielder has also been keeping a close eye on the Hammers interest in the lower international age levels. He was present when the Under-16s won 2-0 against Northern Ireland in Chester earlier this month thanks to goals from Academy youngsters Blair Turgott and Matthias Fanimo.
"Fanimo scored the second goal and was very quick," said Sir Trevor. "That age group is about looking at different players and getting experience and then they will have an oversees tournament in the New Year as they look to get ready for the European Under-17 Championships. This year is where you are giving them their first international experience."