Lampard sings the praises of ‘raw’ Tomori as youngster receives England call

Frank Lampard has hailed Fikayo Tomori following the Chelsea defender’s call-up to the senior England squad.

The 21-year-old has been included in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers against Czech Republic and Bulgaria, following his fine performances since establishing himself in the first-team at Stamford Bridge this season.

Lampard has praised the youngster’s performances since returning from a loan spell at Derby County last season, and says the defender’s inclusion is deserved following his adaptation to life in the Premier League with the Blues.

“I’m absolutely delighted for (Fikayo) Tomori because I think Mason [Mount] and Tammy (Abraham) are taking a lot of the headlines this season and rightly so, but Tomori from seeing him at Derby last year, quite quiet, loads of great talent in him but slightly raw in a way,” the Chelsea manager said at Friday’s press conference.

“He had a loan at Hull which went so-so before and then to see him play the full season last year when I relied on him hugely and then to come here and I think some people would have easily doubted whether he could step up to the Premier League because he’s young.

“But what he’s done is shown that he’s got great qualities so again another natural progression and I’m really pleased for him. He deserves it because he’s been a dream to work with, day in and day out for the last 15 months or so.”