Who is Angel Gomes? Former Man United midfielder set for first England start against Finland

Angel Gomes is one of four players to receive their maiden call-up to the England senior squad.

The LOSC Lille midfielder was selected by interim manager Lee Carsley alongside Noni Madueke, Tino Livramento and Morgan Gibbs-White.

The 24-year-old made his debut off the bench in the 2-0 win over Ireland at the weekend and now looks set to make his first start against Finland.

Here's everything you need to know about the former Manchester United academy product.

Angel Gomes age & background

Gomes is 23 years old and was born in Edmonton, London. His family relocated to Manchester when he was a child.

The son of Gil Gomes, who played for numerous non-league clubs including Hendon and Salford City, Angel's godfather is former Manchester United winger, Nani.

What to expect

Position

A versatile midfielder, Gomes predominantly operates in an eight role for Lille, though he was also utilised by the club's former manager Paulo Fonseca as a No.10 and a holding midfielder.

Style of play

A technically supreme individual, Gomes is an all-encompassing midfielder who is capable of dribbling beyond markers or slicing open opposition with his range of passing.

Praised for his creativity, composure and intelligence when in possession, the 23-year-old is capable of dictating play and poses a threat in the final third.

Gomes tallied the joint-most assists in Ligue 1 last term.

Career so far

Previous clubs

Gomes was on the books at Manchester United from the age of six and signed as a first-year scholar in 2016.

He made his first-team debut under Jose Mourinho in a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, where aged 16 years and 263 days, he became the youngest player to appear for the club since Duncan Edwards in 1953.

Signing professional terms in December 2017, Gomes made 10 senior appearances before the expiry of his contract at Old Trafford saw him move to Lille in a five-year deal.

He would enjoy a fruitful loan spell with Portuguese outfit Boavista before returning to Lille in 2021, where he's been a first-team regular ever since.

International career

England interim boss Carsley is well-acquainted with Gomes having worked with him during England's U21 European Championship success in 2023.

Gomes has worked his way from U16 to U21 and played a pivotal role in the U17s World Cup triumph in 2017.

Angel Gomes: What they said

Angel is very technical. He controls the game with his skill and technique. He’s very determined, has an excellent attitude and loves football … I think he’s a player people are going to be excited to see.

England interim manager Lee Carsley