Monday, December 23, 2024

Angel Gomes to make first England start in Finland Nations League game

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Angel Gomes will make his first start for England in the Nations League game with Finland on Tuesday night.

The Lille midfielder, formerly of Manchester United, was handed a first call-up to the senior side earlier this month by interim head coach Lee Carsley and went on to make his debut from the bench in the win over the Republic of Ireland on Saturday.

The 24-year-old, who has played 18 times for Carsley at Under-21 level, has been given the nod to start at Wembley Stadium in one of what is expected to be four changes from the match in Dublin. Kobbie Mainoo will drop out.

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Rico Lewis is another likely switch for Levi Colwill on the left-side of defence in what would be just his second appearance for the senior team having made his debut away in Macedonia in November of last year.

Lewis’ Manchester City team-mate John Stones could return to the side after only featuring as a late substitute on Saturday and could partner Ezri Konsa, another potential returning player, in a new-look centre of defence. Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to continue at right-back.

Captain Harry Kane will win a 100th cap of his international career becoming the 10th male player to do so for England.

Declan Rice and Jack Grealish, scorers of the goals last time out, will retain their places with Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka again preferred in the wide positions.

England sit second in Nations League League B Group 2 and following Tuesday night’s game next face Greece, who currently top the group, in October.

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(Carl Recine/Getty Images)

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