James Tomkins is relishing his role as an experienced head in West Ham United’s rearguard and is hoping he can help lead them on a charge in The FA Cup.
The Hammers have been made to work for their place in the Fifth Round, beating Everton on penalties before edging a tight contest away at League One high-flyers Bristol City.
They now travel to West Bromwich Albion for Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off, which is live on BT Sport, and Tomkins is determined to move one step closer to Wembley.
West Brom v West Ham
The FA Cup
Fifth Round
12.45pm, Saturday 14 February 2015
The Hawthorns, West Bromwich
Live on BT Sport
Winning clubs received £180,000
“Everyone here is really positive about The FA Cup and we see it as a massive chance to go a long way in the competition,” the former England Under-21s defender told TheFA.com.
“When I was a kid I always used to watch The FA Cup, it’s a massive competition, so much history.
“The draw has not been that kind to us, we’ve had tough games. Playing West Brom away is a difficult fixture but I feel we can progress.
“We have to take it one game at a time, but if we can keep getting through, who knows how far we can go – The FA Cup is a one-off game and anything can happen.”
At just 25, Tomkins was the most senior member of Sam Allardyce’s back-four in their last two games and has now played over 200 times for the Irons.
The Basildon-born defender has also appeared at every youth level for England, and featured for Team GB at London 2012.
And while his form for West Ham is at the forefront of his mind, he admits he would love the chance to pull on the Three Lions shirt for his country once again.
Tomkins played at every England age group from U16s to U21s
“I’ve played a lot of games for my age, but people have different opinions on whether I’ve had recognition or not,” he said.
“I just try and play as well as I can and as many games as I can for my club.
“Everyone wants to play for their country and I’m no different.”
Tomkins continued: “I feel like I’m playing well at the moment, and I’m playing alongside a different centre-half partner than I’m used to, with Cheik [Kouyate], who is settling in well. But it’s nice to add to the experience.
“I feel like the older player there at the back, I have [Aaron] Cresswell and [Carl] Jenkinson either side of me and they are young lads as well.
“Time flies as it was not long ago I was the youngest player in the back-four, and now I’m the oldest.”
He added: “I do what comes naturally. When I play I talk a lot, try to lead and organise. With me being, probably, the most experienced player at the back, people are going to look at me.
"Over the years there have been some talented centre-halves playing at West Ham and there are some massive boots to fill.
"You just want to do as well as you can to live up to that."
