Former Man United midfielder Angel Gomes. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
England needed just 18 minutes to take the lead in their UEFA Nations League match in Finland on Sunday.
The Three Lions desperately need a result after theirs Shocking defeat 2-1 at home to Greece in midweek, which has thrown their A-League promotion hopes into doubt.
After a couple of jittery early spells, England found their rhythm and pushed their hosts further and further back.
They were rewarded in the 18th minute when Manchester City striker Jack Grealish found space inside the box and finished past Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky.
However, it is Angel Gomes who perhaps deserves more credit for the goal.
The former Man Utd youngster, who now plies his trade in Ligue 1 with Lille, found space between Finland’s lines and expertly controlled a pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold, before turning and put it on a plate to Grealish.
Back in the team, back on the scoreboard for Jack Grealish ??
But does that Angel Gomes pass need some love?#ITVFootball | #GOOD pic.twitter.com/tY9LFzDz8L
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) October 13, 2024
Angel Gomes’ “sublime” pass sets up Jack Grealish
Gomes’ contribution to the opening goal did not go unnoticed by pundits, including former ones England internationals Matthew Upson and Lee Hendrie.
“Well that’s a really silky move from England! Angel Gomes what a lovely pass from around the corner,” said Upson BBC Radio 5 live. “Trent-Alexander-Arnold shoots at him, and the pass he (Gomes) finds Grealish is absolutely sublime.”
Covering the game in the Sky Sports studio, former Aston Villa midfielder Hendrie said: “They’ve turned it around since this one started really well. Gomes’ through ball is fantastic to assist Grealish. It went into the half lap and Finland tried to get out.
“Grealish celebrated with his thumb in his mouth to celebrate his new baby. England needed that goal. There’s a great work ethic and movement that I didn’t see against Greece. Jack used his initiative to go in and get the its goal”.
Top photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
