They used to call Mike Atherton FEC - Future England Captain - as a kid at Lancashire, it was so obvious he was going to lead his country one day. Well the initials should be inscribed on Tomkins' locker at the Boleyn as a future international centre back pairing was forged tonight. Never mind Terry and Ferdinand, the future of England's defence is Tomkins and Smalling.
Tomkins came on in the 6th minute for the U21s in Denmark tonight and played a leading role as the young lions turned the Danes into masticated bacon. England won the game 4-0, but more importantly, that Tomkins and Smalling pairing was forged. The pair are stars of the future, no question!
IMHO Tomkins outshone Smalling tonight, all Smallings did when he got the ball was pass it to Tomkins to set up an attack! Tomkins made 3 of the goals and had a cracking game.
ReplyDeleteI only pop into this site now and again, BUT I swear you've called for Tomkins' head on more than one occasion in the not so distant past?! And you were praising Green like no tomorrow in the last match analysis you did, but did you not want him sold last summer? Along with Parker and all the other decent players.
ReplyDeleteI apologies now if my memory is flawed. Maybe I'm confusing you with one of the many other WHU blogs about (although I reaaaaalllllly don't think I am). Well, we're all allowed to change our minds, so why not, but if I'm right then you should really hold your hand up and clearly state that you were wrong in your previous judgements. Maybe you have and maybe I missed it.
Anyway, if I'm wrong then ignore everything I've written and move along, move along... nothing to be seen here...
Simon
Simon, I called for Tomkins to be dropped last season when he was hopelessly out of form, fearing the long term damage of "dying in the spotlight" week after week. This season, I called for his reintroduction after the Oxford game, and have backed his inclusion all season long. IMO, he has moved to the next level.
ReplyDeleteAs for Green, he had a very good game at Tottenham and, as always, I am happy to acknowledge that. But one very good game does not make him a very good keeper I'm afraid. Bobby Ferguson and Peter Grotier had some very good games. Carroll also had some very good games too. McKnightmare had some very...no, that's just going too far!
Tomkins has improved a lot since last season, reducing errors from his game by at least 60-70%. I felt back then like he was carrying too much bulk.
ReplyDeleteI think Smalling will be better though, but a good partnership nevertheless.
You going to any of the internationals HF? Gonna go to the Ghana friendly, hopefully see Parker start. Merson on SkySports had him to start against Wales, ahead of Wilshere. Good call I think.
Will be Barry and Lampard of course. These Italian managers are like the Emperor and the New Suit of Clothes!
ReplyDelete...I'm surprised you've not mentioned Capello at all? Horses head in your bed HF? :)
ReplyDelete