Man Utd youngster Shea Lacey is pushing to make his senior debut at Old Trafford before the end of the season.
Shea Lacey scored for England Under-20s.(Image: 2025 The FA)
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Manchester United youngster Shea Lacey scored for England Under-20s against Japan on Friday.
Lacey came on from the bench in the 60th minute against Japan. The youngster opened the scoring after he received the ball on the edge of the box and found the left corner with an accurate strike.
Japan secured a 1-1 draw thanks to a late goal during added time at the Eco-Power Stadium.
Lacey's strike against Japan represented his first goal for England U20s following his maiden call-up to that age group last month. The 18-year-old was also given the opportunity by Thomas Tuchel to train with England's senior team at St. George's Park during the October international break.
The forward's performances have caught the attention of England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley.
Carsley told the Daily Mail: "He's been in the pathway a good amount of time now and he's a player that we rate highly.
"It worked out well that we needed that position for the training we were doing and Shea was more than happy to come over and train with the Under-21s.
"You can see he's a good talent. I know he's struggled with injuries in the past, which has probably held back his development, but I think it's so important we don't rush these young players, we let them develop in their own time.
"I think he trained two sessions with us and I enjoyed having him."
In September, the Manchester Evening News spoke to United U21 boss Travis Binnion about Lacey, and he said: "Listen, everybody in the world knows about Shea Lacey. So he needs a little bit of fortune, he needs to be patient with himself and everybody else needs to be really patient with him.
"He is in the same sort of area as Chido because of time lost. Different to Chido, Chido is fast progression. Because of time lost with Shea, he still has lots to come tactically, physically and mentally.
"Everybody can see - you have to be blind not to see - the talent he's got. He's got lots to do in his game and he knows. We're still managing him physically because if he can stay on the pitch and can train every day, I think everyone thinks he could be a top, top player."
United consider Lacey as a first-team prospect and they were protective of his minutes last season, wanting to ensure that the youngster did not suffer further small injury problems.
Lacey has generated immense interest in the last few years and followers of the academy are excited about his potential.
There have been comparisons made between Lacey and Phil Foden and, just like the Manchester City star, Lacey's long-term future could be as an attacking midfielder.
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