Angel Gomes is fortunate that he didn’t find playing as a holding midfielder as “boring” as Marcus Rashford did, or his opportunity with England might have slipped away. At 24, Gomes is the standout new addition to the Three Lions squad named by interim coach Lee Carsley for upcoming matches against the Republic of Ireland and Finland. While many may remember Gomes as the youthful No.10 who made his debut for Manchester United in 2017, becoming their youngest debutant since Duncan Edwards, his current role is far removed from those early days.

Gomes has reinvented himself as a deep-lying playmaker in Ligue 1 with Lille and for the England Under-21s, where he thrived alongside Liverpool’s Curtis Jones. This new role has allowed him to control the tempo of the game from deep, a position he now relishes. Despite his former position behind the strikers, Gomes has expressed a stronger preference for this deeper role, contrasting sharply with Rashford’s past sentiments about the lack of attacking opportunities in such a position.

Reflecting on his evolution, Gomes shared, “I definitely enjoy playing as a No.6 more. Although my roots are as a No.10, I’ve always admired deep-lying midfielders like Xavi, Iniesta, Scholes, and Pirlo. Understanding what’s needed in a deeper role has enhanced my ability to contribute effectively.” He reminisced about a conversation with Rashford, who had played as a No.6 in his youth but found the position dull due to its defensive nature, a perspective Gomes does not share.

Cristiano Ronaldo once advised Gomes to focus on scoring, but Gomes has always preferred the art of assisting over finding the net himself. Since joining Lille, where he transitioned into his current role, Gomes has embraced the challenge, benefiting from the guidance of Paulo Fonseca. Despite a recent head injury scare, Gomes has secured a regular spot in Lille’s lineup.

Gomes acknowledges the challenge of standing out in the Premier League-focused media landscape, but he is committed to his role. Carsley’s recognition of Gomes’ talents offers a valuable opportunity for the midfielder, who continues to impress with his newfound expertise and contributions to both club and country.