England manager Thomas Tuchel has suggested that players need to play a high level of football in the regular first team to be selected for the 2026 World Cup squad.
Marseille midfielder Ángel Gomez is reportedly ready to leave the Stade Velodrome after just a few months. The former Manchester United man has been absent from the England international scene since Thomas Tuchel took over as manager, but a move in January could revive his slim World Cup hopes.
Gomez won four England caps under Lee Carsley while still playing for Lille. He joined fellow Ligue 1 side Marseille on a free transfer when his contract with Les Dogues expired, securing him another season in the Champions League.
Unfortunately for the 25-year-old, he has not been able to secure a regular starting spot under manager Roberto De Zerbi. He was on the bench in the last two league games, but has appeared on the bench in all four Champions League games.
According to L’Equipe (via GFFN), Gomez’s inner circle has opened the door to a transfer in January, with half an eye on the 2026 World Cup. His compatriot CJ Egan-Reilly, who also joined Marseille in the summer, is also a possibility of a move in January.
Former Manchester City youngster Egan Riley has moved to France when his contract with Burnley expires. The 22-year-old centre-back has not started a game for the club in over a month.
read more: Manchester United set conditions for giving the green light for Kobi Mainu to leave the clubread more: Shocking real cost revealed that will keep loyal England fans out of the 2026 World Cup
England manager Thomas Tuchel has not called up Gomez since he was appointed permanent manager after Carsley took over as interim manager. The German has made it clear that any player who joins his team next summer must have played in the regular first team, and that may be in the back of the midfielder’s mind.
“There is an important element of competition and performance in this game, and the door is always open to players who regularly perform at a high level,” Tuchel said in November. Referring specifically to Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly, he said: “Miles needs more starts and more minutes.”
Reports of Gomez’s move in January come amid questions surrounding his former club United. Due to the absence of European football and early exit from the Carabao Cup, the depth of the squad is less of an immediate concern than some of their rivals, but there could still be a move over the winter.
Ruben Neves has been linked with a move to Old Trafford as he enters the final months of his contract with Al Hilal, but a bigger investment in the midfield may have to wait until the summer. There continues to be talk of Koby Mainu leaving in January, but unless a potential buyer is prepared to go bankrupt, this could be a loan rather than a permanent deal.
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