Ian Wright could not believe that Chelsea loanee Fikayo Tomori had not made England’s provisional European Championship squad.
Speaking on the Wrighty’s House podcast, Wright was bemused by Gareth Southgate’s decision to discount Tomori from his preliminary 33-man roster.
Uncapped defensive duo of Ben White and Ben Godfrey were called up, but there was little love for the Chelsea academy graduate.
After moving to AC Milan on loan in January, Tomori took to Serie A like a duck to water.
He played 22 times across all competitions for Milan and helped them finish second in the Italian top flight.
Wright says wrong call
Talks continue to ensue about the Rossoneri wanting to sign the 23-year-old on a permanent basis, evidence of how highly they regard his ability.
But Southgate clearly didn’t share the same view when picking his England pack, a conclusion that Wright did not agree with.
“Tomori made the squad at one stage,” said the former Arsenal striker.
“You’ve got a legend like Paulo Maldini saying they want him and they want to build their team on him, their defence on Tomori.
“And he can’t make the 33. How Tomori can’t make the 33 is beyond me.”
England’s extras
Wright will know the feeling of England exclusion far too well.
The ex-Gunners attacker missed out on Euro 1992 and 1996, plus was ruled out for the 1998 World Cup because of injury.
Tomori might not have the same stature within the Three Lions camp, but this latest rejection won’t hurt any less.
Southgate explained in his press conference that he had been looking at the young defender, saying: ‘Fikayo has done well with Milan.’
Evidently not well enough to earn a national team recall.
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