MY ACCOUNT
Fikayo Tomori has enjoyed an Italian redemption — and is now ready to show England boss Gareth Southgate what he has been missing.
Chelsea academy product Tomori, 24, was snapped up by AC Milan for £24million last summer after a successful loan spell in 2020-21.
The classy centre-back was one of the stars of the show as the Rossoneri ended their 11-year wait for Serie A glory during a thrilling climax to the title race last month.
But he has largely been overlooked by England, picking up just two senior caps to date.
Having been recalled by Southgate for this month’s Nations League fixtures, Tomori will sit out tonight’s clash in Hungary due to a minor injury.
But with the former Blues ace expected to be ready to face Germany on Tuesday, we explore whether he can become a regular ahead of the Qatar World Cup.
Scudetto success
Tomori was a stalwart at the heart of Milan’s defence in 2021-22, making 31 league appearances as they beat city rivals Inter Milan to title glory.
He made the ninth-most interceptions (76) in Italy’s top tier and was a calming presence in his side’s rearguard as they conceded the joint-fewest goals in the division (31).
Tomori has surpassed all expectations at the San Siro and has even drawn comparisons to club legend Paulo Maldini thanks to his sensational displays.
Back in the fold
Tomori had played just 36 minutes of senior international football — appearing off the bench in resounding victories over Kosovo and Andorra — prior to receiving his latest call-up.
Given his fine form, there was dismay among the Three Lions faithful when he did not make Southgate’s previous squad in March.
But the former Derby loanee has now been handed another chance to impress, partly because of the questionable performances of some of his international team-mates.
Tomori has developed into one of Europe’s most all-action defenders, making more tackles in the league last term (73) than Harry Maguire (34), Conor Coady (31) and John Stones (five) combined.
A question of style
Southgate requires a certain skill set from his centre-backs — but Tomori’s attributes should see him slot seamlessly into the England backline.
The Three Lions are encouraged to dominate possession, so it is worth noting that Milan’s No23 completed more passes (1,518) than any other Rossoneri player in 2021-22.
Defensive resilience is also a key requirement in Southgate’s set-up.
And Tomori won possession more times in the defensive third per 90 minutes (3.34) than Maguire (2.9), Coady (2.84) and Stones (2.25).
He is equally capable of playing in a back four and a three-man defence, which will stand him in good stead as Southgate likes to rotate between those two systems.
Baffled Baresi
Tomori’s absence from the England fold came as a huge surprise to those who have witnessed him in action in Italy.
Milan legend Franco Baresi was understandably baffled by the 6ft 1in star’s lack of international recognition.
Speaking in March, Baresi said: “He [Tomori] is a really good personality around the club and he has great strength to play in such a difficult role.
“There is great competition in England but he is definitely one of the most promising prospects out there.
“I and everyone at the club was very surprised he was not called up by England.”
Qatar calling
This month’s fixtures against Hungary, who England face again on June 14, Germany and Italy will provide valuable tests for Southgate’s men ahead of the World Cup.
They also offer an opportunity for him to finalise his plans as he considers which players to call upon this winter.
Tomori’s success with Milan means he will play Champions League football once again next season, which may make him impossible to ignore when the 23-man squad for the tournament is selected.
With Maguire, Stones, Coady and Kyle Walker all aged 28 or over, the Under-20 World Cup winner will certainly add some younger legs to the England rearguard.
And now is the perfect time for Southgate to bed Tomori into his starting line-up before potentially handing him a starring role in Qatar.
