Angel Gomes reveals dream to play for England as he prepares to make senior debut under Lee Carsley

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Although his father, brother and godfather have all played for Portugal, Angel Gomes has chosen to represent England at international level and he has been rewarded with a call-up to interim manager Lee Carsley's first squad. England have upcoming Nations League fixtures against the Republic of Ireland and Finland in their first matches since Gareth Southgate stepped down as manager.

Carsley 'putting own stamp' on England squad with first selection

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Angel Gomes says it has always been his “dream” to play for England, despite the opportunity to follow in his father’s footsteps and represent Portugal.

The Lille midfielder could make his senior debut during the upcoming Nations League fixtures against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.

Lee Carsley - who is in temporary charge of England while the FA searches for a permanent successor to Gareth Southgate - has called Gomes up as one of four uncapped players in his first squad.

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Having played for England at youth level, Gomes has enjoyed World Cup success with the under-17 side and in 2023, with Carsley as manager, he helped them win the European Under-21 Championship.

Gomes’ father, Gil, played for Portugal at youth level, while his godfather is former Manchester United and Portugal winger, Nani.

Despite his connections to the country, Gomes has only ever had one aim at international level.

“My dad had conversations with people that he knows, some of the players he played with, high people in the Portuguese FA,” he said.

“My dad played for Portugal and growing up through the age groups my brother played for Portugal, but my dad always wanted me to choose my own path. And from young, my dream was always to play for England.”

Despite choosing England, Gomes says his godfather does not hold it against him.

“He (Nani) has been a big influence. I spoke to him last week, he will check in on me, see how I am doing. He was an influence growing up. He was someone I used to watch and he gave me joy.”

Although he is now playing in France, Gomes spent his youth career coming through the ranks at Manchester United.

Angel Gomes became the first player born in the 2000s to play in the Premier League

Image credit: Getty Images

He made his first team debut in 2017, when he replaced Wayne Rooney in a 2-0 win against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.

It was a significant moment for United, with Gomes - at 16 years and 263 days old - becoming the youngest player to play for the first team since Duncan Edwards in 1953.

He also became the first player born in the 2000s to make a Premier League appearance.

Despite putting himself in the history books, Gomes’ time in the senior set-up at United came to an end after just 46 minutes of Premier League football.

He headed for France to join Lille, where he is now enjoying his fourth season.

“When I left [Manchester United], it was to better myself as a player and as a person through the journey and I knew, eventually, I'd be able to create a pathway to be in this position.

Angel Gomes plays his club football for Lille in France

Image credit: Getty Images

“Leaving the club I was at from six and heading into the unknown was difficult. It has been an upwards trajectory but also with a lot of difficulties but being in this position now makes everything all worth it.

“In France you don’t have as much awareness or recognition that the Premier League is going to get.

“But that is not to sound like an underdog - if I do well for my club, I can showcase myself at a global level,” he said.

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