News about Angel Gomes

JACK GAUGHAN IN GEORGIA: England was welcomed in this region by a proper Georgian reception at the team hotel just over a fortnight ago. The youngsters performed as local spirits were served to the traveling party, and the Under-21 team was eager to experience the local culture on arrival. However, the grass is better than the five-star foyer in properly embracing the way of life over here. The only way of getting around is to be footing on the accelerator. No giving way. Oncoming traffic, there is no checking. There is certainly no handbrake on the table.

Batumi, a city with strong injections of new money, is likely not going to be suited to a group bent on making positive statements at the European Championship. If England's Under-21s make it all the way to next month's final, they could drive 30 miles north to a complex in the middle of nowhere. In the gated five-star beach resort, the cows and deer run free. Shunning Batumi found himself avoiding any potential distractions. The only one since arriving in this region nearly a fortnight ago has been when to take on the hotel's waterslides, which have been constantly occupied by holidaying families, until the hotel's huge pool area closes at close to midnight.

BY JACK GAUGHAN: The other week, Angel Gomes bumped into an old mate at St George's Park. There aren't many chances to keep up with familiar faces from Manchester United living in northern France, which is flourishing at Lille. As the Under 21s gathered together for this European Championship, Marcus Rashford was there, reporting for England duty. He was the one academy lads looked forward to, with three years older than Gomes. Rashford, like many others, is surprised that Gomes, who was once one of the country's most popular attacking midfielders as a kid, is now operating as a deep-lying playmaker.

The England Under 21s got off to a promising start on Thursday when they defeated the Czech Republic 2-0, a first for the Euros. Both Jacob Ramsey and Emile Smith-Rowe found the net in a performance that saw Lee Carsley pick up three points despite not being at their best. With a solid showing in midfield, Angel Gomes continued his good season for Lille, while Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon also impressed, despite mixed seasons in club football.

All the best for the win.' The first game is the most significant.' Erik ten Hag's answer to a query over whether he'd rotate his squad for Omonia Nicosia's home Europa League fixture on Thursday night was a commendable one. It could be interpreted as an indication that Manchester United's conditions are raising once more. The club's mantra, winning at all costs, is the club's mantra, as it has been. However, the Dutchman's solid team selection for the meeting with the Cypriots - as well as his inability to make team changes in the Europa League generally - has raised questions.

England defeated Italy thanks to Rhian Brewster's early brace as they continued their preparations for the U21s Euros. Brewster put the young Lions up for a commanding position early on as he followed up his 3rd minute penalty goal by netting from the centre of the box two minutes after midfielder Angel Gomes was brought into play. Before the break, Chelsea defender on-loan at Brighton Levi Colwill struck the post with a header. Italy fought back in the second half as they tried to find a way back into the match as Nicolo Fagioli, Lorenzo Colombo, and Caleb Okoli all tried to find the net. Cole Palmer of Manchester came close to winning, but Alessandro Plizzari saved his attempt in the 65th minute. Nico Rovella of Italy was dismissed in the closing stages after picking up his second yellow card for a bad foul on Jacob Ramsey of Aston Villa.

There's nothing quite like the UEFA Champions League. Depending on the time, heavyweights were fighting wherever you looked at. Hundreds of braces are around the continent, a hat-trick sprinkled in Barcelona, and there are as many inquests as there are celebrations... we're looking at you, Liverpool. So, after the opening round of group matches, who makes Sportsmail's Champions League Team of the Week?