Analysis

Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori deserves England chance

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Chelsea fans have seen the rapid rise of Fikayo Tomori during the opening few months of the season and there is a strong case to suggest he should make his senior England debut on Monday.

The 21-year-old was expected to be a fringe player at Stamford Bridge this season, despite impressing last season out on loan with Derby County under manager Frank Lampard.

(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

But he’s returned to West London to make a colossal impact and has started the last five consecutive Premier League matches, which helped him earn a maiden call-up for England.

The centre-back has made the transition up to the top-flight with relative ease and also impressed in the two Champions League group stage fixtures so far.

He’s an athletic defender with great pace and power, while on the ball he’s confident and has an excellent long-range pass in his locker.

(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Chelsea’s players have invaded Gareth Southgate’s England squad during this international break and Mason Mount started on Friday night, while club teammates Ross Barkley and Tammy Abraham were used as substitutes in the second-half.

England were surprisingly beaten 2-1 away to Czech Republic in a European Championship qualifier and it was a relatively poor display from them.

They need a response against Bulgaria on Monday night in the next qualifier and surely Tomori deserves an opportunity.

(Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

England’s centre-back pairing of Harry Maguire and Michael Keane looks shaky, while some feel that they should revert to three at the back.

Tomori appears to have all the skills needed to be a hit at international level with his composure and he’s dealt with every step up in recent months.

He would surprise many if Southgate gave him the nod against Bulgaria and the door should open for him to get a chance.