Angel Gomes may have been an unexpected addition in Lee Carsley’s first England squad – but he could become a mainstay in the senior set-up.
The 23-year-old is one of four players who have earned their first Three Lions call-up by his former England Under-21 boss.
And the attacking midfielder is now expected to make his debut in the upcoming Nations League matches against Ireland and Finland next month.
Lille maestro Gomes has likely taken Jude Bellingham‘s place in the England squad following the Real Madrid star’s leg injury.
Carsley is all too familiar with Gomes’ qualities having won the European Under-21 Championship together last summer, with the player starting in the 1-0 final win over Spain.
Capable of playing anywhere in midfield, Gomes has been destined for greatness from a young age having created Premier League history in May 2017.
After rising up through Manchester United‘s academy, he made his debut against Crystal Palace at the age of 16 years and 263 days old.
In doing so, he became the first person born this millennium to feature in the English top-flight.
One of the jewels in the Red Devils academy, Gomes even rubbed shoulders with his idol Cristiano Ronaldo during the 39-year-old’s first spell at Old Trafford.
Following Ronaldo’s return to the Theatre of Dreams three years ago, Gomes shared a throwback picture of him on X alongside the forward and Nani from 2007.
Gomes has previously stated how he looked up to Ronaldo growing up, citing him as one of his inspirations.
Speaking to United’s website in 2020, he said: “In terms of footballers when I was young it was always Ronaldinho, the Brazilian players, Robinho, [plus] Cristiano Ronaldo at the time.
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“I remember the Joga Bonito stuff with the freestyling and stuff like that.
“As a youngster, all you wanted to do was practise skills, so I’d say players like Ronaldo [were my inspiration].”
Since leaving United in 2020 after just ten first team appearances, Gomes has taken his game to another level in France, where he has become one of Lille’s top players.
And Carsley has tipped him to shine for England’s senior side in the middle of the park, as he explained how he will use him when speaking to talkSPORT’s England correspondent Faye Carruthers.
He said: “Angel is very different to what we’re used to in terms of what we would see as a typical English midfielder.
“Tactically, technically, physically, he’s very good.
“The players will see him in training and they will instantly rate him because of the way that he takes the ball, and the way that he can manipulate the ball.
“I play him in deeper areas which is different to what he would expect [at Lille].
“I think he will combine with some of the other players really well in terms of they will enjoy playing with him and enjoy his skill.
“So I’m really looking forward to seeing Angel.”
