Ashley Cole message to Angel Gomes speaks volumes after England debut

If there was one player Ashley Cole wanted to see receive England's legacy cap, it was former Manchester United midfielder Angel Gomes.

Gomes, a product of Manchester United's youth academy, was honoured by the former Arsenal star Cole after making his senior debut for England against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday. The midfielder received his first senior call-up for England by interim boss Lee Carsley for their Nations League double header against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.

He replaced former United teammate Kobbie Mainoo in the second half along with Morgan Gibbs-White, another debutant. Presenting the pair with their England legacy caps, Cole said of Gomes: "This one is for someone special, I think with Angel Gomes probably playing maybe not in his country and in the three or four years I've gotten to know you, I think you're an amazing person.

READ MORE: Angel Gomes should have reached the very top with Manchester United - I saw his rise up close

READ MORE: 'Civil war' - Sir Jim Ratcliffe reminded of ultimate Man United aim by rival Premier League club

"Again, your story is so different to everyone else and if there was one player that I really, really hoped would get this cap it is you, so again, I hope you continue your journey and this is for you mate."

Gomes added: "Thank you to all of you for making me feel welcome, and like he [Gibbs-White] said, hopefully we get the win on Tuesday and continue the journey."

The 24-year-old, who left United in 2020 to join Lille, will be keen to get more minutes when England host Finland in the Nations League at Wembley on Tuesday.

Our team of Manchester United experts are on top of all the goings-on at Old Trafford for this week and beyond, and you can