Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori desperate to add to his first England cap ahead of Euro 2020
The 21-year-old played the final six minutes of Sunday’s 4-0 win in Kosovo
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Fikayo Tomori is aiming to add to his first England cap after topping off a “mad” year by making his senior debut.
The 21-year-old Chelsea defender played the final six minutes of Sunday’s 4-0 win in Kosovo as the Three Lions established themselves as a top seed for Euro 2020.
Tomori, who was on loan at Derby last season and has only featured in 10 Premier League games, will be hopeful of staying in Gareth Southgate’s plans ahead of next summer.
Harry Maguire started all eight of England’s qualifiers but a spot next to him at the heart of the England defence is arguably up for grabs, while Tomori made his first appearance as a right-back, showing he also offers versatility.
“Obviously I’ve been in two camps now,” he said.
“As a little kid you want to make your debut for England. To get into the squad was one thing but then your debut is another thing so obviously it was a very proud moment for me.
“It’s pretty mad. If you told me 12 months ago that I’d make my England debut I’d probably have looked at you funny because it just seemed so far away.
“But now that I’m here I’m grateful, it’s been a lot of hard work and determination, a lot of focus, and hopefully I can make more caps and maintain that focus I’ve shown.”
Tomori may have emerged as a senior international at just the right time given England’s Euro 2020 group fixtures will take place at Wembley.
If Southgate’s side progress further the semi-finals and final also take place at the national stadium, with Tomori excited by the prospect of appearing in front of a home crowd and he knows what he has to do to stay in and around the squad.
“(I feel) very fortunate,” he added.
“We know some of the games are going to be at Wembley and for us that’s great. Once we actually get there it’s really going to hit us.
“Obviously it’s a great opportunity for us and a challenge as well, we’re looking forward to it.
“I just have to keep on trying to stay focused at club level, continue playing games and playing well, taking the opportunities that are given to me and hopefully the manager picks me in the summer.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments