West Ham academy boss Tony Carr is delighted to see youngsters James Tomkins and Freddie Sears part of England's U19 European Championship squad.

"They are playing in a terrific tournament and they will only come back better players for it," Academy director Carr said. "This is only going to be good for their education and they will come back better players for it."

He also told whufc.com: "After representing the first team last season, they would have wanted to stay and be part of Alan Curbishley's plans for the early part of pre-season and have an opportunity to shine but you can't turn down representing your country.

"Club football and international football even at U19 level does present different problems. It tends to be more tactical and there tends to be more opportunities for individuals to shine and be matchwinners. It is different from the cut and thrust of club league football really and it will be terrific for their development."