Angel Gomes reflects on 'difficult' Man Utd exit and shock England call-up

Lille midfielder Angel Gomes has received his first call-up to the England squad after being selected by interim manager Lee Carsley to feature in upcoming Nations League clashes.

The 24-year-old, who formed part of Carsley's Under-21 European Championship winning squad, is just one of four uncapped players who are set to make their senior debut in September. His 2023/24 campaign brought immense success, helping Lille qualify for this season's Champions League, ultimately leading to his first England call-up.

It was Gomes' decision to leave Manchester United in 2020 that sparked his journey to this position. Joining the club in 2006 at just six years old, Gomes progressed through the Red Devils' academy before playing just 46 minutes in the Premier League.

"When I left [Manchester United] it was more the idea to better myself as a player and person," he told reporters at St George's Park. "Being on the journey I went through I knew eventually I'd be able to create a pathway to be in this position I'm in now.

"It was difficult leaving the club I was at since six and heading into the unknown really for me personally. From then it's been an uphill trajectory, but also with a lot of difficulties and difficult moments going through it, but being in this position now makes it all worth it."

Gomes is expected to feature in upcoming clashes with the Republic of Ireland and Finland, during which Carsley will lead his first senior England team after being named as interim boss following Gareth Southgate's departure.

"He's very honest, he's direct with his approach and is close to the squad," Gomes continued when asked about Carsley's leadership. "And that helps as a player when a coach takes interest in not just you as a player, but as a person.

"He's very easy to speak to. He'll ask you what you think of training sessions, games or pull you aside to see what you think. When a manager puts that confidence in you, you repay it on the pitch."

England's first fixture of the international break is set to come on September 7 when they face Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.

READ MORE OF THE LATEST ENGLAND NEWS, QUOTES & MATCH PREVIEWS