England boss Gareth Southgate has opened up on his decision to hand Chelsea duo of Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori an invitation into the Three Lions squad for the upcoming UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers against Bulgaria and the Czech Republic respectively.
England has been in long battle with Nigeria over the international future of both players, but it seems the English FA finally got one over their Nigerian counterparts.
Southgate who finally listed the players among his 25 man squad for England’s upcoming games, said the players have tremendous qualities to excel with the national team.
Abraham has scored eight goals in all competitions for Chelsea so far this season, a feat that excites the Three Lions boss.
“He is the leading English goalscorer in the league. He is a player that we put into the squad very young at a time when we wanted to have a look at some younger players and change the complexion of what we were doing.”
“It was a bit early for him and now it is brilliant the opportunity he has been given by Frank (Lampard) along with some of the other young English players at Chelsea. It has been fabulous for them.
“He has really grasped this opportunity. It is thoroughly deserved.”
Tomori on his part is enjoying a successful breakthrough season at Chelsea, The 21-year-old has scored once in his four Premier League and has an assist in his two Champions League starts for the Club.
The Canadian-born Nigerian defender has been in U-20 and U-21 for England and was part of the team that won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2017.
Southgate believed the player has got the right profile to play in the English senior team.
Southgate said: “His profile as a defender fits with the way that international football is. His athleticism is important. He is capable with the ball. It’s a good opportunity for us to take a closer look at him.
“He is in good form so he’ll be feeling confident about himself. He’s played very well for Chelsea against some very good opponents. It’s a great opportunity for him.” He said.
Meanwhile, another Nigerian born player Dele Alli has been left of the October engagement over bad form.
