Angel Gomes’ recent rise to continue with first England start

Lille midfielder Angel Gomes is expected to make his first England start against Finland on Tuesday after being handed his first senior call-up under Lee Carsley.

The 24-year-old formed part of Carsley’s Under-21 European Championship winning squad last summer and will now make his first ever senior start when England host Finland at Wembley Stadium in the UEFA Nations League.

Gomes represents one of four previously uncapped players called into the squad this month, with Noni Madueke, Tino Livramento and Morgan Gibbs-White also receiving maiden call-ups.

As per The Athletic, Gomes will make his first start on Tuesday night, replacing Kobbie Mainoo in midfield.

Gomes will replace Mainoo in midfield / Tim Clayton – Corbis/GettyImages

Gomes earned minutes off the bench against the Republic of Ireland last time out, joining the game just before the 80th minute when England had already solidified their 2-0 lead.

Carsley is expected to make four changes from the squad that beat Ireland on Saturday, with Rico Lewis set to replace Levi Colwill at left-back and John Stones poised to start after playing the weekend’s game from the bench.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to start at right-back once again after impressing Carsley in the backline. The England interim boss opted against using the Liverpool start in midfield like Gareth Southgate did at Euro 2024, and instead returned him to his optimum position in defence.

Meanwhile, captain Harry Kane will earn his 100th England cap when he leads the line against the Finns. The Bayern Munich striker made his England debut back in 2015 and has since skippered his country at a World Cup semi-final as well as two Euro finals.

The Three Lions are expected to secure a comfortable win at Wembley. Their last game against Finland came back in 2001, while the visitors have never beaten England in nine attempts.

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