Angel Gomes says he has been on a “difficult” journey since leaving Manchester United to “better myself as a player and person”.
Lille midfielder Gomes is one of four uncapped players called up by interim England manager Lee Carsley for Nations League games away to the Republic of Ireland on Saturday (17:00 BST) followed by Finland at Wembley on Tuesday (19:45).
He joined United in 2006 aged six and progressed through their academy to the first team, but only gained 46 minutes of Premier League experience before joining Lille in 2020.
But the 24-year-old has forged a successful career at the French Ligue 1 side, helping them qualify for this season’s Champions League, which has led to a first senior England call-up.
“When I left [Manchester United] it was more the idea to better myself as a player and person,” said Gomes.
“Being on the journey I went through I knew eventually I’d be able to create a pathway to be in this position I’m in now.
“It was difficult leaving the club I was in since six and heading into the unknown really for me personally.
“From then it’s been an uphill trajectory, but also with a lot of difficulties and difficult moments going through it, but being in this position now makes it all worth it.”
England’s game in Dublin is the first without Gareth Southgate in charge since September 2016.
Carsley guided the under-21s to the European Championship title last summer with Gomes in his side.
Gomes added, when asked about Carsley: “He’s very honest, he’s direct with his approach and is close to the squad. And that helps as a player when a coach takes interest in not just you as a player, but as a person.
“He’s very easy to speak to. He’ll ask you what you think of training sessions, games or pull you aside to see what you think. When a manager puts that confidence in you, you repay it on the pitch.”