Tammy Abraham has responded to his omission from England’s World Cup squad, claiming the snub did not come as a major disappointment to him.
The 25-year-old striker joined Roma from Chelsea in 2021 in pursuit of more playing time and has scored 31 goals in 73 appearances for Jose Mourinho’s side.
However, Abraham has struggled for form this season, with a disappointing return of just four goals in twenty appearances across all competitions.
After an impressive first season in the Italian capital, this downturn in form probably ended any hopes of being backup to Harry Kane in Qatar, an honour that went to Callum Wilson of Newcastle instead.
In an interview with Gazzetto dello Sport, Abraham was asked if the snub from Gareth Southgate came as a big disappointment to him.
“I wouldn’t say big. It was a disappointment, surely. Of course, I wasn’t happy,” he said.
“But these things make you stronger, leaving that desire to do more and improve. My career has been characterised by these moments, also in the past.
“I am still young, I have many years ahead and I am sure I will have time to take part in another World Cup. Now, I am only focused on Roma and I want to help the club do more in the present and the future.”
Abraham was also quizzed on his recent poor form in the interview, which manager Mourinho attributed to the striker’s disappointment at being omitted from the England squad.
“These things happen in football, this time it was me having highs and lows,” Abraham said. “It happened to other players before and it will happen again.
“Last season everything went the right way for me. This time I had a slow start, it’s true, but the team and I want to get revenge. I am convinced these moments make you stronger in the long run.”