Tomkins earns England U-21 call

31 May 2011 11:30

West Ham defender James Tomkins has been called into the England Under-21 squad for the European Championships as a replacement for Micah Richards.

The 22-year-old got the nod after Manchester City defender Richards withdrew last week because of a hamstring injury.

Tomkins will join up with the squad in time for Sunday's friendly against Norway in Southampton.

Tomkins, capped nine times at under-21 level, was a member of Stuart Pearce's squad which made the final in 2009 and has also appeared for the side in qualifying, but did not make the original 23.

The squad head to Denmark next Monday in preperation for their opening Group B match against Spain on June 12.

Source: PA