Angel Gomes idolised Cristiano Ronaldo – now the history-making player is looking to take Jude Bellingham's place in the England squad
Angel Gomes may have been an unexpected addition to Lee Carsley's England first team, but he could become a mainstay in the senior side.
The 23-year-old is one of four players who have earned their First call-up of the Three Lions by his former England under-21 manager.
And the attacking midfielder He is now expected to make his debut in the upcoming Nations League matches against Ireland and Finland next month.
Lille maestro Gomes has probably taken Jude BellinghamThe place of 's in the England squad following the Real Madrid star's leg injury.
Carsley is well aware of Gomes' qualities, having won the European Under-21 Championship together last summer, with the player starting in the 1-0 final win over Spain.
Able to play anywhere in midfield, Gomes is destined for greatness from a young age, having created Premier League history in May 2017.
After getting up through Manchester UnitedAt Manchester United's academy, he made his debut against Crystal Palace at the age of 16 years and 263 days.
In doing so, he became the first person born in this millennium to play in the top flight of English football.
One of the jewels of the Red Devils' academy, Gomes even rubbed shoulders with his idol. Cristiano Ronaldo during the 39-year-old's first spell at Old Trafford.
Following Ronaldo's return to the Theatre of Dreams three years ago, Gomes shared an old photo of him on unknown alongside the forward and Nani since 2007.
Gomes has previously stated that he admired Ronaldo growing up and cited him as one of his inspirations.
Talking with United website In 2020, he said: “In terms of footballers, when I was young, it was always Ronaldinho, the Brazilian players, Robinho, (more) Cristiano Ronaldo at that time.
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“I remember Joga Bonito with freestyling and things like that.
“When I was young, all I wanted to do was practice skills, so I would say players like Ronaldo (were my inspiration).”
Since leaving United in 2020 after just ten first-team appearances, Gomes has taken his game to another level in France, where he has emerged as one of Lille's best players.
And Carsley has predicted him to shine for England's senior side in midfield, as he explained how he would use him when speaking to talkSPORT's England correspondent Faye Carruthers.
He said: “Angel is very different to what we are used to in terms of what we would see as a typical English midfielder.
“Tactically, technically and physically he is very good.
“Players will see him in training and instantly value him for the way he takes the ball and the way he can manipulate it.
“I play him in deeper areas, which is different to what he would expect (at Lille).
“I think he'll mesh really well with some of the other players in terms of them enjoying playing with him and appreciating his ability.
“I'm really looking forward to seeing Angel.”
