Milan centre-back admits “frustration” over England snub

Fikayo Tomori has stayed behind Harry Maguire in the pecking order despite securing a starting spot at Milan.

AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori is frustrated by his limited playing time for England.

Since completing a move from Chelsea to Milan in 2021, Tomori has developed into a key player in the Rossoneri’s backline. This season, the English centre-back has started all but one of Milan’s matches across all competitions.

England manager Gareth Southgate, however, has preferred to stick to Harry Maguire as his starting centre-back for the Three Lions. Following a disappointing 2022-23 season, the Manchester United star has bounced back with a few impressive displays for the Red Devils this season.

Speaking to reporters ahead of England’s upcoming match against Malta, Tomori said: “Has there been an element of frustration? Yeah of course. Most players will say once you come here, you want to stay here, and when you get a taste for it, you want to keep building on it.

“My England career’s been a bit stop-start. When I was 21 and I first got called up I made a few appearances off the bench and then after the COVID year, I wasn’t playing as much so obviously, I wasn’t getting called up. Then I went to Milan and I’ve been in a few camps, out a few camps.”

Following their match against Malta, England will prepare to take on North Macedonia on Monday.