Source: PA
Upson backs Tomkins for the top
West Ham captain Matthew Upson believes James Tomkins has the potential to be an England star of the future.
Upson has played alongside Tomkins at the heart of the Hammers' defence for the majority of what has so far been a poor season.
The relegation-threatened club may have conceded 49 league goals this term, but Upson reckons Tomkins is showing signs of developing into a quality defender who could pull on a Three Lions shirt soon.
"He has come on leaps and bounds this season," Upson said of the 21-year-old after Sunday's 3-1 win over Liverpool.
"I played a lot with him last season and he has the raw material to become a top player.
"If he keeps improving the way he is and mentally develops I think he'll have a great chance of being an international."
