Football

World Cup 2022: Defender who narrowly missed 26-man England squad admits he ‘has to do more’

World Cup 2022: Defender who narrowly missed 26-man England squad admits he ‘has to do more’

AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori has admitted he ‘has to do more’ in order to get into England’s Euro 2024 squad.

The centre-back was in contention for a place in Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad for the 2022 World Cup, but was ultimately not taken to Qatar.

Tomori has been a regular at the back for Italian side AC Milan this season. He has played all 15 of their Serie A games, and missed just one of six Champions League group stage matches, only due to suspension.

He has three England appearances to his name, one each in 2019, 2021 and 2022. One of those caps came in the UEFA Nations League draw with Italy in June.

Tomori was born in Canada and made three appearances for their Under-20 team back in 2016. Also eligible to represent Nigeria, he soon made a switch in allegiance to England.

The defender then represented the Three Lions’ Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 teams before his first senior call-up in 2019.

England defender knows he ‘has to do more’

There had been calls for Southgate to include Tomori in his 2022 World Cup squad, but the manager ignored those calls, instead opting for the likes of Harry Maguire, John Stones, Eric Dier and Conor Coady.

Kyle Walker and Ben White were also selected, both of which can operate at full-back or centre-back. The latter did, however, head home from Qatar early due to personal reasons.

Ex-Chelsea defender Tomori was understandably disappointed at the snub, but believes he can secure a spot in the squad for the next major tournament.

England meet Italy, Ukraine, North Macedonia and Malta in their Euro 2024 qualifying group, which begins in March 2023.

“I’m always motivated, obviously there is disappointment because I wanted to be there,” said Tomori, as reported by LiveScore. “But it didn’t happen, and I know I have to do more to go to Euro 2024.

“There was disappointment, but I have to keep working and then let’s see. Right now, I’m happy and content.”

England

England’s Tomori shining at club level

Centre-back Tomori left Chelsea for Milan initially on loan in January 2021, with his impressive displays earning the defender a permanent move in June. He has been shining ever since, recently signing a new contract with the Italian giants until June 2027.

The 24-year-old made 31 appearances for his club last season, helping them lift the Serie A title. With Milan currently sitting second in the table this time around, the England international is hoping for further success in the coming months.

The Italian side sit on 33 points from their 15 matches, eight behind leaders Napoli.

“In my opinion, the most difficult thing is to win again,” said Tomori. “Last year, we know that there weren’t many people who thought we could win. But now we have done it, and we have the Scudetto on our chest, whoever plays against us changes.

“So, we have to look for another way to win and another level – both in mentality and in play. We knew it would be difficult, but we can win again, and we will do everything for that.”


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