Lee Carsley says Angel Gomes ‘fully deserves’ wave of plaudits after breakthrough display in England’s 2-0 win against Finland – and reveals how Lille midfielder plays crucial role in training sessions

Lee Carsley has heaped praise on Angel Gomes, saying the Lille midfielder ‘fully deserves’ the wave of plaudits he has received after an impressive full debut.  

England recorded a comfortable 2-0 Nations League win over Finland last night, with captain Harry Kane scoring twice on his 100th appearance in the Three Lions’ first game back at Wembley since a heartbreaking Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.

Interim coach Carsley navigated the hosts to a second consecutive victory, further strengthening his claims to be given the job on a permanent basis as Gareth Southgate’s successor.

Gomes, 24, was at the heart of everything good about England, starting alongside Arsenal’s Declan Rice to form a dynamic midfield pairing.

And his boss, who knows him well from his days in the under-21 side, has become the latest person to rave about the breakthrough performance.

Lee Carsley has heaped praise on the Lille midfielder saying he ‘fully deserves’ the wave of plaudits he has received

His boss (left), who knows him well from his days in the under-21 side, has become the latest person to rave about his breakthrough performance

‘He loves football, he watches football, he’s interested in tactics, he knows all the players in any league,’ Carsley said.

‘If you ask him for any feedback, you need to be prepared that he’s going to give you some feedback on the session, or how we’re going to build up, or the positions.

‘He’ll often say about some build-ups he’s done with other clubs, or what he’s played against, because he’s obviously playing in France, so he sees different things.

‘He fully deserves it.’ 

Gomes’s classy and controlled display under the famous Wembley arch saw him gain the seal of approval from a host of pundits after the game.

Arsenal and England legend Ian Wright hailed Gomes’ poise against Finland, stating on ITV after the game: ‘Angel Gomes. Jack [Grealish] and Trent [Alexander-Arnold] have been spoken about. 

‘Seeing Gomes in that midfield, constantly on the move. His touch of the ball.’

Ex-Man United captain Roy Keane similarly gushed over Gomes’s performance, describing the flair midfielder as ‘busy’.

The former Manchester United youngster impressed as England beat Finland 2-0 at Wembley

Arsenal and England legend Ian Wright (pictured) hailed Gomes’ poise against Finland

Meanwhile Harry Kane scored twice on his 100th appearance in the Three Lions’ shirt

Wright further claimed: ‘He’s [Gomes] constantly available,’ with Keane adding: ‘There’s great options. There will probably be a bit of a headache for him.’

Gomes only made 10 senior appearances at Old Trafford before deciding to leave his boyhood club after becoming frustrated at a lack of first-team opportunities.

He has since made a name for himself in France and was given a chance with England by Carsley after Gareth Southgate stepped down following the nation’s Euro 2024 final defeat against France.