Angel Gomes Reflects on Journey to England National Team

Angel Gomes, the 24-year-old winger for Lille, has spoken about the challenges he has faced since leaving Manchester United and how his recent call-up to the England national team validates his journey.

Gomes, who was the youngest player to represent Manchester United in 2017, transitioned to Lille in July 2020 after leaving the English club. His path included a loan period at Boavista in Portugal before returning to Ligue 1.

During a press conference, Gomes expressed, ‘When I left (Manchester United), it was more about the desire to better myself as a player and person. It has been a challenging journey, but being in this position now makes it all worth it.’

Despite his impressive performance last season—recording ten assists and two goals—Gomes was not included in Gareth Southgate‘s World Cup squad. However, Lee Carsley’s selection of Gomes for his first squad as interim manager illustrates a new phase in his career.

Gomes acknowledged the importance of representing his country, asserting, ‘Playing for your country is the highest achievement in a player’s career.’ He noted that witnessing his contemporaries succeed did not deter him but rather fueled his ambition to reach the national team.

Having previously captained the England Under-17 team that included notable talents such as Phil Foden, Gomes is eager to secure his place in the senior squad.

Carsley has emphasized Gomes’ unique skill set, describing him as a player capable of operating in various midfield roles. According to Carsley, Gomes stands out as a player who can control games and contribute creatively from deeper positions.

Gomes’s development has been supported by past coaches who believed in his abilities, particularly given his smaller stature compared to many athletes in his position. ‘Skill is King’ was a guiding principle during his youth at Manchester United, allowing him to thrive based on his expertise rather than his height.

With a solid foundation built at Manchester United’s academy, Gomes has now emerged as a promising talent in the England setup, fostering expectations for his forthcoming contributions to the national team.