Fikayo Tomori Keeps England World Cup 2026 Dream Alive Amid Fierce Competition

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Fikayo Tomori still believes there is a route back into England’s plans for the 2026 World Cup, despite a long spell out of the squad. The AC Milan defender has not featured for the Three Lions for more than two years, yet performances in Serie A keep Tomori hopeful of making Thomas Tuchel’s final group for the tournament.

Tomori made an England senior debut in 2019 under Gareth Southgate and has collected five caps so far. The former Chelsea player also represented Canada at Under-19 level, but committed to England at senior level. Competition in central defence remains strong, yet Tomori views that challenge as motivation rather than a barrier.

Tomori accepts Tuchel has several established centre-backs to choose from. The England pool currently includes John Stones, Marc Guehi, Dan Burn and Ezri Konsa. That depth limits chances but also sets a clear standard. Tomori understands England staff monitor data closely and sees every appearance for Milan as another chance to influence selection.

The 28-year-old has played in 13 of Milan’s 15 Serie A matches this season, underlining a regular role. Defensive numbers also support Tomori’s case. Only Alexis Saelemaekers has made more tackles for Milan in the league, while Tomori sits among the squad leaders for duels won, highlighting consistent involvement in key defensive actions.

Tomori’s domestic form offers some encouragement about an England return, especially after Ruben Loftus-Cheek earned a recall. The Milan midfielder’s selection showed Tuchel is ready to pick players based outside England. That decision gave Tomori fresh belief that strong displays in Serie A can still carry weight when Tuchel finalises the World Cup group.

Tomori explained that contact with Tuchel has been regular. I spoke to him after the last international break in November. We've spoken a few times and the message is to keep doing what I'm doing, Tomori told BBC Sport. Those conversations reassured Tomori that national team coaches continue to track progress from afar.

Tomori knows the timeline is tight before the tournament. The March international window will be Tuchel’s final opportunity to test players in competitive fixtures before naming the squad for 2026. England already know group-stage opponents, with Ghana, Croatia and Panama awaiting next summer, so defensive decisions now carry direct tactical importance.

The World Cup is six months away and there's a lot of football to be played. I know he's watching and keeping an eye because he called up Ruben.That gives me the confidence I can make it. He came to Milan last season and I know he gets our data and sees our clips regularly, too. The way he's spoken about it is that it's difficult because there's so many players in that position, and I get it because you have players like John Stones, Marc Guehi, Dan Burn and Ezri Konsa. But the World Cup is still a dream and I'm working towards that.

For now, Tomori’s focus stays with Milan, where steady minutes and solid numbers keep the World Cup ambition alive. England’s staff continue to track defence options before the March camp, and Tomori’s performances in Serie A across the coming months will likely decide whether that long-held dream becomes a place on the plane.