In Focus: Angel praying fine form can help Young Lions to glory

Angel Gomes' performances for England Under-21s are making Manchester United fans consider what might have been. 

The Red Devils' academy product walked out of Old Trafford in 2020, after the Premier League giants failed to convince him to extend his contract. 

Since then, the 22-year-old has signed for Lille, where he is excelling in a surprising role. 

Ahead of the Young Lions' semi-final clash against Israel in the European Under-21 Championship on Wednesday, we take a look at Gomes' career so far and his future options. 

United days

United had great hopes for Gomes, with the starlet being named as the club's Young Player of the Year back in 2017. 

He made his first-team debut aged just 16 years and 263 days, becoming the youngest footballer to turn out for the Red Devils since Duncan Edwards in 1953. 

Yet despite this bright start, Gomes was given few chances to impress. When he left in 2020, he had only made a total of 10 appearances. 

At the time, United were keen for the midfielder to extend his deal but the London-born talent felt it was time to move on. 

Gomes said: "I don't think the opportunity came too quickly at Manchester United. 

"Things come when you deserve them. I achieved good things when I was at Manchester United, which I will remember all my life. 

"I don't think it was rushed but sometimes there are decisions to be made and you have to know how to get out of your comfort zone." 

Positional change

Like many young English footballers, Gomes decided that he was best served moving abroad to gain first-team experience. 

Joining Lille, he was first sent out on a season-long loan to Boavista in Portugal, before returning to France in 2021. 

In his first season for the Ligue 1 outfit, Gomes was mainly used as a winger, with the occasional appearance as an attacking midfielder. 

The appointment of Paulo Fonseca in 2022-23 saw the pint-sized technician used in six different positions. 

Often he was picked as a deep-lying playmaker and it is there that he has shone for the Young Lions this summer.

Gomes said of his new role: "Growing up, I was probably more of a No10. I could play off the left, coming in, and I was tricky. I still have that in my game if I was to do it again. It's still there. 

"But I've also got the maturity as a No6. I know what the guys further up want, because I've played there. 

"100% I enjoy it more. I've always appreciated players behind me, the deep-lying midfield." 

England role

Having established himself as a first-choice in France, Gomes is now enhancing his reputation in an England shirt.

He is anchoring the midfield in a fluid formation in which the team is packed with attacking midfielders. So far, Lee Carsley's young charges have yet to concede a goal.

With Gomes at the heart of a side on the verge of making a continental final, interest from English clubs is likely to follow and he has been quizzed about a return to Old Trafford. 

He said: "Do I imagine myself coming back one day? Obviously, it's home. I would love to come back."