Topics: Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori, England, Football World Cup, Gareth Southgate
England manager Gareth Southgate has decided against including Fikayo Tomori and Tammy Abraham in his 26-man World Cup squad, according to reports.
Tomori, who helped AC Milan claim their first Serie A title in 11 years last season with a number of colossal performances, has continued to impress under Stefano Poli in recent weeks.
But it looks like the former Chelsea centre-back hasn't done enough to earn a place in England's final squad this winter.
The Athletic report that despite a series of injury concerns at the back, Tomori has been left out – a decision that has already brought plenty of discussion amongst fans.
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Tammy Abraham has also been left out of Gareth Southgate's plans alongside Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, according to The Telegraph.
The 25-year-old striker, who has netted four goals in 19 games in all competitions for Roma this season, scored for the first time since September in their Serie A clash against Sassuolo on Wednesday.
But his last-ditch efforts in front goal didn't make a difference as Callum Wilson's hopes of making the squad continue to grow.
Abraham opened up about his conversations with Jose Mourinho ahead of the World Cup.
In his post-match interview on Thursday, he said: "Jose has told me just to be a monster. I think one of the things he said was that I was too much of a nice player and that you have to show that aggressiveness as a striker as you’re getting older.
"It’s not always about being nice on the pitch. You need that character, you need that presence to frighten defenders and I think that’s something I’m learning and getting better at. Of course, the World Cup was in the back of my mind but really I just wanted to play football."
AC Milan defender Tomori, meanwhile, struggled on his return to Stamford Bridge in the Champions League last month, and was sent off in the reverse fixture.
That being said, many believe his performances at club level are enough to make the squad.
One fan commented on the news of Tomori missing out, saying: "Eric Dier and Conor Coady being called up over Tomori is absolutely scandalous," while another said: "Tomori not even in the squad. He would have started for me."
A third said: "Every England squad selection pisses everyone off but I do find Tomori’s exclusion quite baffling, especially given who he’s competing with for that spot."
Back in September, Tomori was rewarded for his fine form with an England call-up.
Gareth Southgate praised the Milan defender, saying: "I have been very impressed. I thought he finished last season well. We were tracking him well last season and he is playing well this season.
"He is at a club that's expected to win every week, I thought he did well vs Liverpool and Juventus. Milan have been delighted with him and ended up buying him. It has been a great experience for him."
Thoughts on the decision to leave out both Tomori and Abraham from the England squad? Did they deserve a call-up?
Let us know in the comments.
