James Tomkins has been backed for an England call up
Speaking ahead of this lunchtime’s London derby at Upton Park with Crystal Palace, the Hammers manager feels the 25-year-old has developed so considerably in recent months that he is as good as any English defender operating in the Premier League.
“Roy should look at James,” said Allardyce. “He has really matured and is playing very well and consistently.
“People can scoff all they want about me saying that but James has been playing consistently well for us.
Allardyce on hosting Palace and Qatar 2022 [AMBIENT]
When I look at opponents like Phil Jagielka and Gary Cahill, I don’t see a huge amount of difference when I watch them playing against each other.”
Palace manager Alan Pardew, returning to the club whom he managed between 2006 and 2009, is worried that the South Londoners could become victims of ‘second season syndrome’.
Palace finished 11th last season and are currently in 13th position in the Premier League, just five points off the relegation zone.
“The second year is much tougher,” he said. “The first year after promotion, you tend to get by on the excitement and adrenaline. Then that runs out in the second year, and it becomes much tougher.”
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