Manchester United have no one in Thomas Tuchel's England squad, but one of their academy players has worked with the senior set-up at St George's Park this autumn
Shea Lacey looks on while playing for England under-20s
Shea Lacey has gained plenty of experience playing and training with various England teams this autumn
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Manchester United academy player Shea Lacey scored for England under-20s in their match against Japan on Friday. After coming off the bench in the 60th minute, Lacey made his mark by opening the scoring with a precise strike from the edge of the box.
Despite his efforts, Japan managed to claw back a draw with a last-minute goal in Doncaster. This marked Lacey's first goal for England U20s, following his initial call-up to the squad Ben Futcher coaches last month.
Thomas Tuchel also gave the 18-year-old a chance to train with England's senior team at St. George's Park during the October international break. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with under-21s boss Lee Carsley singing his praises after having Lacey train with his team this week.
Carsley said to 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."
Shea Lacey celebrates scoring for England
Shea Lacey opened the scoring for England under-20s against Japan in Doncaster
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Under-20s coach Futcher spoke about Lacey training with Tuchel's team last month. "It's a good experience for them," he said. "It is where they want to get to, so they can feel how difficult it is and how good those seniors are. It is good for them to see it, feel it and be part of it."
Futcher explained: "We have looked after Shea and helped him get some minutes. He is a top talent, has reconnected with the group, and I thought he performed really well. I am sure Manchester United have a good plan for him. Hopefully, he can stay injury-free and fulfil that potential."
United's U21s coach, Travis Binnion, spoke to the Manchester Evening News about Lacey in September. "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.
"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.
Thomas Tuchel, the England head coach issues instructions
England boss Thomas Tuchel gave him the chance to train with the senior team
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"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."
The Red Devils view Lacey as a genuine first-team prospect. They carefully monitored his playing time last season to prevent any recurring minor fitness issues.
He has attracted significant attention in recent years, with academy observers buzzing about what he could achieve. Some have drawn parallels between Lacey and Phil Foden, and like the Manchester City midfielder, Lacey's future may lie in an attacking midfield role.
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