About James Tomkins (footballer)
James Oliver Charles Tomkins (born 29 March 1989) is an English former professional footballer who played as a centre-back. A product of the West Ham youth academy, Tomkins debuted for the West Ham senior side in 2008, joining Derby County on loan later that year. In 2016, he moved to Crystal Palace, where he was mainly used as a backup defender during his eight-year spell with the club, and he left the club in 2024, retiring in March 2025. He represented England at all levels up to the under-21 team and represented Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics. == Club career == === West Ham United === ==== Early years and club debut ==== Aged seven, Tomkins was spotted while playing for his local Sunday League side and signed into West Ham United's youth academy. Initially a striker, he eventually switched to his current position in central defence. He signed scholarship forms in 2005. Prior to making his first-team debut, his career had been marred by several injuries. Tomkins made his Premier League debut on 22 March 2008 in a 1–1 draw away to Everton. Although his costly slip allowed Yakubu to score the opening goal, He made five more starts and a substitute appearance.
Biography source: Wikipedia. The profile adds birthday-specific historical context from the Celebs Birthday Today editorial database.