Three footballers from Salford have been competing on the world stage during the international break.
Angel Gomes, who grew up in Salford and is now an England international, featured in the win against Finland.
The international star, who currently plays for Lille, started his professional career at the age of six in Salford.
Rising through the Manchester United Academy, he was able to develop his talents in the youth system based in Lower Kersal.
He spent 14 years with the club, where he became the first player to be born in the 2000s to play in the Premier League.
The 24-year-old was able to get an assist in 2024 Nation’s League, playing through Jack Grealish to score the opener.
Walkden’s James McAtee has also seen international action with England’s under-21s.
McAtee, who started his career in the Manchester City academy, worked his way through the developmental system of the Cityzen’s where he made his debut in 2021 in a Carabao Cup victory.
The Walkden-raised star played 28 times for the Elite Development Squad, before heading on loan to Sheffield United for the 2022/23 season helping the club gain promotion.
During his time as a Sheffield United player, McAtee became close friends with fellow player George Baldock, who died suddenly last week in his pool at his house in Athens.
McAtee used his platform in England’s U21 match against Ukraine to showcase his love for his ex-teammate.
Under his England shirt, McAtee had the words ‘rest easy brother’ which he showed when he scored in homage.
He told media: “I was desperate to score. When I did it was in honour of George. Luckily I’ve been here with my mates with England but I’ve been keeping him in my mind.”
View this post on Instagram
The third international player with local roots is Salford-born Maxi Oyedele.
The international star represented Poland as his mother is Polish.
Max, whose father is Nigerian, started his career at Burnley FC, before leaving aged eight to play for Manchester United’s Academy team.
The young star played for Altrincham on loan in February 2023, alongside his continuing training at Manchester United.
During his time there he was nominated for Altrincham’s ‘Goal of the season’ scoring against Oldham Athletic.
He also spent a season at Forest Green Rovers, in the League Two, where he was popular with the fans. He told media at the time: “I will let loose and give it my all.
“There will be no stone unturned. I believe we can climb up the table, that’s why I’ve come here, so I’ll be doing everything I can to help with that.”
View this post on Instagram
The midfielder now plays for Legia Warsaw, leaving United this summer and after only playing 100 minutes across two games this, Oyedele was given a surprise call-up to the senior team by manager Michal Probierz.
The 19-year-old has travelled with the international squad to experience international football in the UEFA Nations League matches against Croatia and Portugal.
He was able to live his international dream, when he made his debut for Poland against Portugal on October 12 (Saturday).
Recent Comments