Two wins from two, Lee Carsley’s exciting tactics and a selection of new stars making their debuts – September welcomed a fresh future to England’s football.
The interim boss wasted no time in injecting life into the Three Lions’ squad, transforming a once slow, cautious team into a group of players willing to play fast, flowing football. With him came the arrival of four new England stars, each eager to make their debuts.
Lille midfielder Angel Gomes, Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento and Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White were all handed maiden call-ups for the September UEFA Nations League fixtures, with three out of four taking to the pitch.
But how did England’s latest talent perform on the international stage? 90min have analysed their initial appearances.
Angel Gomes was handed his first ever England start against Finland on Tuesday, stepping into midfield in place of fellow Manchester United academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo. The Lille midfielder could have an incredible international career if Lee Carsley is to be given the permanent England job and could even plot a return to the Premier League.
Gomes thrived in midfield, proving to be both calm and composed while also bringing energetic pressing to the squad. He became the only player on record to complete 100 plus passes on his first start for the Three Lions, proving vital for England’s new style of play.
The Ligue 1 star brings a fresh perspective to the pitch, manoeuvring about to create an unpredictability. He’s exciting, fun and capable of greatness in an England shirt.
It took Chelsea star Noni Madueke just 10 minutes off the bench to assist Harry Kane during his England debut against Finland – that fact alone embodies how incredible his first appearance was.
The 22-year-old played an integral role in England U21s’ journey to achieve European success in 2023 and has now been given the opportunity to impress Carsley yet again, this time on the senior stage.
He made an immediate impact during Tuesday’s victory over Finland, playing perfectly-timed passes and threatening up and down the pitch. Phil Foden’s place in the Three Lions squad received a fair bit of criticism during their Euro 2024 campaign in the summer – could Madueke be the answer?
Morgan Gibbs-White got a run out during England’s victory over the Republic of Ireland to earn his first cap for the Three Lions.
Another new face under Carsley, the Nottingham Forest midfielder offered an alternative to Jack Grealish in the centre of the pitch when the Manchester City star was brought off before the 80th minute.
Gibbs-White sprung into action straight after arriving onto the pitch, almost setting up a delightful assist for Bukayo Saka before Caoimhin Kelleher made a strong save to deny the Arsenal man.
His first moments in the senior side offered promise, and if Gibbs-White is given more time to show what he is capable of, he could become a real asset heading into future tournaments.
Newcastle’s Tino Livramento did not make an appearance for England in September’s UEFA Nations League fixtures after earning his first call-up to the senior squad.
While Trent Alexander-Arnold remained firmly in the right-back position, Rico Lewis and Levi Colwill were both handed opportunities on the left side of defence – but Livramento was unable to find a spot in the team.
He could make an appearance in England’s October fixtures, when they are expected to face Greece and Finland once more.
