Tomori’s World Cup hopes boosted after talks with Thomas Tuchel | OneFootball

England defender Fikayo Tomori has been handed a World Cup lifeline by new national boss Thomas Tuchel.

The 27-year-old won the first of his five caps while still at Chelsea, in 2019. He was an AC Milan player by the time he last appeared for his country in November 2023, in a 2-0 win against Malta.

Having been overlooked for Gareth Southgate’s 2022 Qatar squad, he is hoping a new lease of life at Milan under the guidance of their new coach Max Allegri will help him fulfil his dream.

“Every season is important but when it is a World Cup season, it is a little bit different,” Tomori said on the eve of AC Milan’s pre-season clash with Arsenal, in Singapore.

“I spoke to Tuchel at the end of last season, before the international break.

“He told me to keep doing what I am doing and keep improving. If I do well and Milan does well then I have a good chance of going.

“Of course it is in my head because I have never been to a World Cup and it would be a really proud moment for sure.

“Every player wants to play for their country and play in the World Cup so there is a different feeling.

“At this moment in time I am just focussing on trying to get ready for the new season and hopefully if Milan do well and I do too then I have a chance.”

Tomori has featured 177 times for the Rossoneri and won the 2021/22 Serie A title during his time in Milan. He will face off against Arsenal for the second time in his career, and says the match against Mikel Arteta’s side will be a good test for his team.

“I know English teams well, they’re tough to play against. We’ll have to stay focused. Arsenal are a very good team, it’s part of our preparation and whatever team they play it will be a good match. It will be a good preparation for the upcoming season.”