Fikayo Tomori has reacted to AC Milan fans singing X-rated chants about Gareth Southgate.
England boss Southgate called up 33 players for the two upcoming friendlies against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland, with the intention of whittling it down to 26 for the European Championships in Germany.
Tomori, however, was among the 33’s notable absentees alongside Jordan Henderson, Marcus Rashford, Eric Dier and Ben Chilwell.
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The Milan centre-back, who made his international debut back in 2019, has slipped down the pecking order at England, having last appeared for the Three Lions in November 2023 in a European Qualifier against North Macedonia.
Tomori’s England snub came despite the 26-year-old having enjoyed a brilliant season with Milan, making 34 appearances and netting four goals in Serie A, including one against derby rivals Inter.
While on a tour of Australia Milan fans made their feelings known, repeatedly chanting: "We love you Tomori, f*** Southgate”.
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The chant sparked a hearty laugh from the player, while he was spotted shaking his head and smiling as the singing grew louder.
Upon naming his squad, Southgate said: "These are of course difficult calls. You are talking about very good players who have been important in what we've done over a number of years.
"With Marcus [Rashford], I just feel that other players in that area of the pitch had better seasons. It's as simple as that."
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Southgate added: "Hendo has given himself every chance. The determining factor is the injury he picked up at the last camp [in March]. He has missed five weeks and just hasn't been able to get to the intensity in the game since then.
"He's a fantastic professional, it was a difficult call to make as he's been so important and supportive in my time.
"All the boys I have spoken to: Ben [Chilwell], Marcus and Jordan [Henderson] - who were all with us last time - were all incredibly professional and considering the disappointment, they dealt with it well."
The Three Lions begin their campaign in Germany with a fixture against Serbia on June 16.
Topics: AC Milan, England, Gareth Southgate, Fikayo Tomori, Marcus Rashford, Serie A
Chris Byfield