England’s star man against Finland was clear – and it wasn’t Harry Kane

11 Sept 2024 07:15 BST
3 min read

Angel Gomes, Harry Kane, England, 2024 — © IMAGO

Harry Kane celebrated his 100th international cap by scoring both goals as England claimed a 2-0 win over Finland in the Nations League at Wembley on Tuesday, yet the captain was not the big winner as Lee Carsley’s side found a way to break down an obstinate opponent.

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Instead, it was one of the players who Carsley had drafted in almost as a wildcard, the type of figure Gareth Southgate had been too conservative to pick, who proved England’s real ace on the evening.

Angel Gomes, the player who turned down the opportunity to remain at Manchester United to make a move to Lille in Ligue 1 to develop his game, who shone for the Three Lions.

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Gomes has been impressing in France for well over a year now, playing to such a standard that an England call had been mooted for months. Arsenal legend Ian Wright, in particular, had championed his cause.

“Not seeing enough love and flowers for Angel Gomes and what he's consistently doing at Lille in the center of midfield. Call him up and have a look at him,” Wright tweeted back in February.

Southgate may not have had a look, but Carsley did, and he has been rewarded for his adventure.

'Progressive' Gomes wins praise

Against Finland, the 24-year-old Gomes was a standout figure.

The former Man Utd youngster was happy to run the game in what was his first international start at senior level, showing a level of confidence that can only serve him positively. Over the course of the match, he had 115 touches, 15 more than the nearest England player.

But it was what he did in possession that was impressive. He was positive, always looking forward, while he also executed a number of neat line-breaking passes.

Wright was on analysis duty for ITV and was suitably impressed by the Lille midfielder: “Seeing Angel Gomes in that midfield, constantly on the move whether he’s high up, middle, or at the back for us in the six.

“He was doing progressive things, everything he was doing was very progressive.

“And again, all the time, constantly available in any area, wanting the ball.”

Gomes, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €15.6 million and a contract that expires in June 2025, faces stern competition for game time in England’s future internationals, but the former Man Utd youngster has certainly given himself a chance.

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