JAMES Tomkins is hoping to take on some of the best young players on the continent when he represents England in the European Championships this summer.

West Ham defender Tompkins has already featured for England's Under 16s, Under 17s, Under 19s and Under 20s and is now hoping to make his debut for Stuart Pearce's Under 21 side against Azerbaijan tonight (Monday) in a friendly at Milton Keynes.

This summer's competition in Sweden will feature the likes of England's Theo Walcott, Micah Richards and Kieran Gibbs as well as Spain striker Bojan Krkic, Germany winger Mesut Ozil and Italy forward Mario Balotelli.

Tomkins said: "I got the call up after a good season with my club and I'm enjoying every moment, training and getting to know the lads." "Everyone is buzzing about Sweden now, and we're looking forward to getting started. Yes we have tough group but we are confident that we can have a good championship."

England will be aiming to improve on their performance two years ago when Mark Noble scored twice in a tense penalty shootout against Holland before being eliminated 13-12 on spot kicks at the semi-final.