Source: SKY_Sports
Pearce applauds Tomkins debut
Stuart Pearce has heaped praise on youngster James Tomkins following his debut performance against Azerbaijan.[LNB] The West Ham defender played his part at both ends of the pitch in the friendly tie at stadium:mk - solid in defence after rattling the woodwork just 45 seconds into the match.[LNB]Pearce says he would have no hesitation in throwing the 20-year-old into his starting eleven at this summer's European Under 21 Championship after such a solid performance on debut.[LNB]Admitting to being thoroughly impressed by his approach to the game, Pearce has since visited West Ham's training ground to check on the talented youngster.[LNB]The Hammers boast a string of players in Pearce' gifted squad, with Mark Noble, Junior Stanislas, Freddie Sears and Jordan Spence all signed to the London club.[LNB]Outstanding"Tomkins, for his first cap, was outstanding I thought," Pearce told West Ham's official website.[LNB]"Right across the group, not just the West Ham players, there were players without a great deal of experience - the likes of Arsenal's Kieran Gibbs and Everton's Jack Rodwell, the next generation if you like - who did very well for us."[LNB]He added: "The one thing I must say is that they're all outstanding kids who have been brought up in the right manner, enjoy their football and are dedicated to their profession.[LNB]"The likes of Theo Walcott and James Milner, they are desperate to play, wherever you put them."[LNB]
