Angel Gomes says he has been on a “difficult” journey since leaving Manchester United to “better myself as a player and person”.
Lille midfielder Gomes is one of four uncapped players called up by interim England manager Lee Carsley for Nations League games away to the Republic of Ireland on Saturday (17:00 BST) followed by Finland at Wembley on Tuesday (19:45).
He joined United in 2006 aged six and progressed through their academy to the first team, but only gained 46 minutes of Premier League experience before joining Lille in 2020.
But the 24-year-old has forged a successful career at the French Ligue 1 side, helping them qualify for this season’s Champions League, which has led to a first senior England call-up.
“When I left [Manchester United] it was more the idea to better myself as a player and person,” said Gomes.
