FANS have praised Ashley Cole for his incredible speech while presenting England’s new boys with their first caps.
Both Morgan Gibbs-White and Angel Gomes came off the bench to make their debuts in the Three Lions’ 2-0 win over Ireland on Saturday.
The duo were called-up to the senior side after helping interim boss Lee Carsley win the Under-21s Euros with England last summer.
And ahead of tomorrow’s game against Finland, Gibbs-White and Gomes were handed the 1283rd and 1284th legacy caps.
Carsley’s assistant and England legend Ashley Cole presented them with their award, with his passionate speech wowing supporters.
Cole said: “I think I won 107 caps and it was only until I retired that I actually understood and valued this.
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“Don’t think it is for you – but it is for your kids. It is something to be proud of.
“We all have a story, all have a journey in our career and people don’t understand the sacrifice you make from being a little kid playing wherever you grew up on the street.
“It’s something you can’t take lightly, you have worked really, really hard for this.
“I hope you cherish it and there is many more to come.
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“Hopefully, one day you will get a gold one of these.”
Cole also had special praise for Gomes, saying: “This one is for someone special, the last four years I have got to know you, you are an amazing person.
“Again, your story is so different to everyone else and if there is one player, if you don’t mind me saying, that I really, really hoped would get this cap it was you.
“I hope you continue your journey and this is for you, mate.”
Gibbs-White and Gomes were then called to the stage and handed their caps while the rest of the squad applauded.
Both thanked their team-mates for helping them settle in and feel welcomed.
Fans loved the tradition and Cole’s speech, with one saying: “This is brilliant.”
Another added: “It seems a very good thing to have someone with Cole’s career and legacy with England to be in a position to do this.”
A third reacted: “This is why we are so passionate about our country and our football team. Remember the sacrifices these have to give to get to the very top.”
England Player Ratings vs Ireland
DECLAN RICE silenced his Irish critics with a dominant display in England’s Nations League opener.
Lee Carsley’s players handed him a debut win as interim manager of the Three Lions.
Rice starred in the first half as he netted the opener and then set up England’s second goal.
Jack Grealish doubled up for England after being set up by Rice 15 minutes later.
Anthony Gordon however faded in the match as he was not able to have as much success as Grealish.
SunSport’s Charlie Wyett has rated England’s players’ performance against Ireland…
JORDAN PICKFORD – 6
Pushed away a half decent shot from Sammie Szmodics at the start of the game but as England took control, he had a stress-free game.
After a difficult couple of weeks with Everton, he would have been grateful for this.
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – 7
Looked more at home at right-back compared to the disastrous midfield experiment at the Euros.
Stunning pass in a move that eventually led to the first goal. He has to remain as England’s right-back.
MARC GUEHI – 7
Enjoyed a decent Euros and switched over to the right of central defence as John Stones was named on the bench.
Looks increasingly like a top-drawer defender.
HARRY MAGUIRE – 7
Was left devastated after failing to make the Euro 2024 squad but he has enjoyed a decent start with Manchester United and looked solid here.
When he is not in the team, England do miss his aerial presence. 7
LEVI COLWILL – 7
Second appearance for England and was deployed at left-back.
Unlike the Euros, England have much better balance in defence with a natural left footer in this position. 7
DECLAN RICE – 9
Enjoyed an absolute stormer in what could have been a difficult afternoon.
Booed every time he touched the ball, the former Irish international quietened the boisterous home fans with a brilliant finish although refused to celebrate.
He then set up the second for Grealish.
KOBBIE MAINOO – 7
Fits perfectly into Carsley’s style of play. Some of his passing was excellent, particularly in the final third of the pitch, and this included his part in the outstanding second goal.
BUKAYO SAKA – 7
Enjoying a terrific start to the season with Arsenal – he has been nominated as their player of the month – and played with plenty of confidence here.
Was involved in the second goal.
JACK GREALISH – 8
Left out of the Euros squad, but loved every minute of this.
A decent finish for 2-0 and unlike Rice, celebrated in front of the visiting fans by raising both arms in triumph.
ANTHONY GORDON – 6
Looked really lively early on but faded.
He should have put England ahead when clean through but was lucky that seconds later, Rice hammered his shot into the corner. 6
HARRY KANE – 6
Missed with a header and despite working hard, did not actually have that many chances despite England having so much possession.
Subs
Gibbs-White (for Grealish 77 mins) 6, Gomes (for Mainoo 77) 6, Eze (for Gordon 77 mins) 6, Bowen (for Kane 84 mins) 6, Stones (for Maguire 85) 6.
Subs not used: Henderson, Pope, Lewis, Gallagher, Livramento, Konsa, Madueke.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
