Ian Wright lauds 'progressive' England player following victory over Finland

Ian Wright spoke highly of England's newest addition, Angel Gomes, following his impressive showings against Ireland and Finland.

Gomes was a surprise call-up to the Three Lions squad, reuniting him with Lee Carsley after he played under the manager for the England U21s.

Carsley handed the Lille midfielder his international debut as a sub in the Nations League win in Dublin where he looked calm and comfortable on the ball in his brief cameo.

The 24-year-old impressed again and didn’t put a foot wrong as he played the full 90 minutes on Tuesday night in a 2-0 win at Wembley against Finland.

He could have scored his first goal for his country after brilliantly winning the ball off Matti Peltola in the box, but before he could get the shot away the referee blew for a free-kick for a very soft foul.

Few England fans had seen Gomes play before now, but following his two appearances for his country they’ll be hoping to see the former Manchester United star a lot more.

Wright certainly does, with the former Arsenal and England striker telling ITV: ‘Seeing Angel Gomes in that midfield, constantly on the move whether he’s high up, middle, or at the back for us in the six.

‘He was doing progressive things, everything he was doing was very progressive.

‘And again, all the time, constantly available in any area, wanting the ball.’

Fellow pundit Roy Keane concurred, adding: ‘You said before the game Wrighty, “he’s busy”. Hit the nail on the head. I’m not sure, did he make a mistake tonight?’

The Manchester United legend did however ponder whether Gomes would retain his place in the starting XI when England’s star midfielders Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer return from injury.

‘Great options and obviously that’s where the challenges will come over the next few games when these players come into the squad,’ he added.

‘Tactics, the system, who’s going to play? That will probably be a bit of a headache for him [Carsley]. High class problems.’

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