Former West Ham United defender Tony Gale hailed the performances of Hammers pair Mark Noble and James Tomkins for England in the U21 European Championships.

"I think, at the end of a long season, it is very difficult to try and peak for a final," said Gale. "We did okay in the rounds leading up to the final but I think you saw a tired performance in the final itself.

"Mark Noble and James Tomkins have been excellent for us this past season, but I thought Nobes looked a bit tired in the final. That's not saying that I don't think he's a good player. I think he's an excellent player and I think he's going to be great for us next season.

"The experience will stand both of them in good stead."