England new-boy Angel Gomes says decision to leave Manchester United has paid off

Angel Gomes believes his decision to leave Manchester United and “better himself” abroad has been vindicated by his call-up to the England squad.

Gomes came through the ranks at Old Trafford but opted to quit England entirely in 2020 to join Ligue 1 side Lille. He spent a year at Boavista before returning to France and establishing himself as a key man for Les Dogues.

His single-minded approach paid dividends when he was named in interim England boss Lee Carsley’s squad for the Nations League games against the Republic of Ireland and Finland over the next week.

Gomes told a news conference this afternoon: “When I left it was more for the idea to better myself as a player and obviously as a person going through the journey I went through.

“I knew that eventually I would be able to create a pathway for myself to be in this position that I’m in now. It was difficult leaving the club that I was at from six [years old] and heading into the unknown. From then it has been an uphill trajectory but also with a lot of difficulties and difficult moments. But being in this position now makes it all worth it.”

“I called him before I called my family.” 😅

This is brilliant, @Morgangibbs27 and @agomes_47! pic.twitter.com/NtkMSjc2vW

— England (@England) September 4, 2024

Gomes has been in contention before

The 24-year-old was in former boss Gareth Southgate’s long list for the European Championship, in which England reached the final before losing to Spain, and has been close to a call-up on several other occasions.

He added: “I was pre-selected in the group of a lot of [England] players [for the Euros].

“Whenever the squad was getting announced I would get the email. But obviously you get told whether you get a phone call or you’ll know whether you’re in the squad or not. 

“I missed it a lot of the times but I knew if I kept going that sooner or later I would be able to create a pathway for myself. I’m just thankful that I’m here now and I’m able to showcase myself.

“I just didn’t quite make the group but it’s always fuel to keep going.”

What’s his best position?

Carsley has described Gomes as a “unique player”.

Asked to outline his best position, Gomes said: “I’d like to say I am just a midfielder, I can operate in all three roles. I can play as a deep-lying midfielder, I can play as a number eight, I can play as a number 10.

“I just love to play in the midfield, be able to distribute and help the team play in all areas of the pitch.”