West Ham and England's James Tomkins

Londoners Bertrand, Caulker and Sordell also heading to Olympics

West Ham’s James Tomkins has been named in the Great Britain squad for the men’s Olympic football tournament this summer.

England under-21 international Tomkins was a key performer for Sam Allardyce’s Hammers as they gained promotion to the Premier League last season.

And he has been included in the 18-strong party, alongside fellow Londoners Ryan Bertrand, Steven Caulker and Marvin Sordell.

He said: “I am just delighted to have been included and obviously it is a great honour to be selected for such an occasion as the Olympic Games.

“A lot of the boys I have played with before with England, so it will be good to spend some time with them again.

“I am grateful to West Ham for giving me the opportunity to represent Great Britain at the Olympics and I’ll do my very best to represent the club.”

Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey, Chelsea’s Daniel Sturridge and Danny Rose, of Tottenham, have also been named in the squad by manager Stuart Pearce.

David Beckham did not make the cut, though, as the three over-age places were filled by Ryan Giggs, Micah Richards and Craig Bellamy.

Pearce said: “It has not been an easy task to finalise my squad for this tournament, and the stature of the competition and uniqueness of the occasion has underlined the importance of every choice I have made.

“With just 18 places it is very different from other international tournaments, the options are limited, but it is the Olympic Games and every player in this squad should be very proud they have a chance to compete for a gold medal on home soil.

“I remember the huge advantage we gained from playing in front of our own fans during Euro ‘96, and I’m sure with the nation behind us it could be a fantastic tournament for us.”

Team GB Chef de Mission Andy Hunt said: “After a 52 year absence from the Olympic Games, it is fantastic to welcome the men’s football squad to Team GB for London 2012.

“Representing your country at the Olympic Games is a very unique, special experience and I am sure this talented and determined group of men’s footballers will play a full part as members of Team GB at our home Olympic Games.

“The squad selected possesses a good blend of youth and experience, with 15 of the 18 selected athletes playing their football at the very highest level in the Premier League last season.

“In Stuart Pearce they have an experienced and passionate manager and I am sure the younger players will learn a lot from their time with Team GB at the Olympic Games.

“Football fans from the across the UK are regarded worldwide as among the most passionate and knowledgeable supporters in the world and this summer offers a unique opportunity to get behind Team GB on home soil.

“I am confident that this famous vocal support will drive the young players on to produce many memorable and inspirational performances at the Olympic Games this summer.”

Team GB: Joe Allen, Craig Bellamy, Ryan Bertrand, Jack Butland, Steven Caulker, Tom Cleverley, Jack Cork, Craig Dawson, Ryan Giggs, Aaron Ramsey, Micah Richards, Danny Rose, Scott Sinclair, Marvin Sordell, Jason Steele, Daniel Sturridge, Neil Taylor, James Tomkins.