Fikayo Tomori on England call-up, life at AC Milan & unexpected Serie A title

Fikayo Tomori has discussed finally being called up by England, stating that he is keen to impress during this round of international fixtures in order to keep his place in the squad.

The 24-year-old has been a surprise absentee from a number of recent England squads despite his superb form for AC Milan over the last 16 months - with Gareth Southgate opting to pick out-of-form players who are plying their trade in the Premier League as opposed to selecting Tomori.

Now Tomori is finally set to add to his two England caps during his nation's upcoming Nations League games, despite struggling with injury, and in conversation with The Guardian, Tomori expressed his eagerness to impress on international duty.

“If I don’t get called up, I’m not thinking: ‘Ah, what’s happening?’

"I wasn’t panicking [in March], I was just focusing on my performances and helping Milan. But from there, if I do get called up, it’s making sure I take the steps to stay here.”

Tomori discussed his brilliant spell at AC Milan too, stating that he and his teammates were delighted to be able to prove their doubters wrong this past season and go on to win the Scudetto.

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“A lot of people didn’t believe we were really going to do it and win the title. For us in the changing room to have that relief and joy, proving people wrong and that we were a good team, was sweet for all of us.

“It was just crazy. The celebrations were like nothing I’ve ever seen before. So many people. It was like a three, four, five kilometre drag of fans, but it took hours on the bus. Stopping at all the lights. Obviously I’ve seen the fans down in Milan, but to see everyone in the streets like that for the whole afternoon, I can’t really describe it, just mad.”

The defender was also keen to provide an insight into how he's improved as a defender in Italy, stating: “The way they are as defenders [in Italy] - I wouldn’t say it’s personal but it’s: ‘I need to make sure what I’m doing is on the money and no one’s getting past me'. They have that pride.

"There are little things the manager will tell me – make sure that you are blocking a run or that you are not allowing this to happen or making contact in the box.

“Watching [Leonardo] Bonucci and [Giorgio] Chiellini...they are very streetwise, you pick up stuff. The referees whistle a lot more so you can’t go in or, if you do, you have to tackle properly. You make sure you stay on your feet and are in the right positions so you can win the ball back and not give away fouls.”