Everton u21 midfielder Francis Gomez has been called up to The Gambia’s international squad for the first time.
Despite not being named in the original squad by Northern Irish manager Johnny McKinstry but is now flying out as a late replacement for the friendly games against Equatorial Guinea and Uganda.
The news was confirmed by African journalist Foday Mannah, which shared a picture of Gomez at the airport on his way to join the squad.
Gomez, 19, will have the chance to make his first ever appearance for the West African minnows in Marrakesh, Morocco, where the first match will take place. It would mark the end of an incredible season for the youngster, who joined Everton in summer 2024 and spent six months on loan at Lyon’s B team before returning to Everton.
The midfielder looked raw in his first appearances for Everton u21s but became an important player later in the season. A tough tackling midfielder, he also scored his first goal in a 4-3 defeat to Norwich in the penultimate league game of the season and a first assist in the 5-4 victory over Spurs in the final league game.
Gomez also helped Everton to win the Liverpool Senior Cup against Lower Breck in May but despite a good display he was sent off with eight minutes to go.
The Gambia is ranked 126 in the FIFA World rankings, ahead of India and Beto’s Guinea-Bassau. They currently sit fifth out of six team in their World Cup qualifying group with just four points from six games and qualification for the tournament is unlikely.
The country does have some emerging talent. Brighton star Yankubu Minteh is the highest profile player on the team alongside former Bologna forward Musa Barrow and St Pauli striker Abdoulie Ceesay.