Forgotten England star open to reviving World Cup hopes with second transfer in six months - The Mirror

England manager Thomas Tuchel has indicated players need to be playing regular first team football to a high level if they are to make his squad for the 2026 World Cup

Marseille midfielder Angel Gomes is ready to leave Stade Velodrome after just a few months, it has been claimed. The former Manchester United man has been out of the England picture since Thomas Tuchel took over as manager but a January move could yet revive his slim World Cup hopes.

Gomes won four England caps under Lee Carsley when still playing his club football for Lille. He joined fellow Ligue 1 side Marseille on a free transfer when his contract with Les Dogues expired, securing another season in the Champions League.

Unfortunately for the 25-year-old, he has been unable to hold down a regular starting spot under Roberto De Zerbi. He was left on the bench for the last two league games, while all four of his Champions League outings have come from the bench.

According to L'Equipe (via GFFN), Gomes' entourage have opened the door to a January move with half an eye on the 2026 World Cup. Compatriot CJ Egan-Riley, who also joined Marseille over the summer, is another who could move in January.

Former Manchester City youngster Egan-Riley moved to France upon the expiry of his Burnley contract. The centre-back, 22, hasn't started a club game in more than a month.

England boss Thomas Tuchel hasn't called up Gomes since being named as the permanent boss after Carsley's interim spell. The German has made it clear those who make his squad next summer will need to have been playing regular first-team football, and this may be in the back of the midfielder's mind.

"There is a component to it that it's about competition and performance and the door is always open for guys who perform on a regular and high level," Tuchel said in November. When discussing Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly specifically, he said: "Myles simply needs more starts, more minutes".

Reports of a January move for Gomes come amid questions over his former club United. Squad depth is less of an immediate concern for them than for some rivals, thanks to no European football and an early Carabao Cup exit, but there could still be movement in the winter window.

Ruben Neves has been linked with an Old Trafford switch as he enters the final few months of his contract at Al Hilal, though more significant midfield investment may have to wait until the summer. There has also been continued talk of a January exit for Kobbie Mainoo, but this could end up being a loan rather than a permanent deal unless a potential buyer is ready to break the bank.

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