Shea Lacey scores for England U20s, earns coach’s plaudits | OneFootball

Manchester United academy wonderkid Shea Lacey is leaving no stone unturned to catch Ruben Amorim’s eye this season.

In five starts for the reserves, the 18-year-old has accrued as many goal involvements — three goals and two assists.

The first team head coach is clearly impressed, which explains his frequent call-ups to senior training, with many tipping the Carrington graduate to make his debut this term.

Not only at club level, the Liverpool-born attacker has also caught the eye of the England senior team set-up with Thomas Tuchel calling him up to training last month.

Goal for England U20s

He was also called up to the England U20 team for the first time in October, and has now made his mark for Ben Futcher’s team.

On Friday, against Japan U20s, Shea Lacey, who came on as a substitute in the 60th minute, opened the scoring with a laser-guided strike from inside the box.

The Young Lions were ultimately held to a 1-1 draw, but Futcher was clearly impressed with what he saw from the United versatile forward.

“Shea’s a top player,” Futcher told the England media team. “It’s been great to work with him.

Coach’s plaudits

“We thought he could have an impact tonight. He’s had a really good week – you saw the quality when he came on. Everyone’s been impressed with him.”

Shea Lacey also spoke about his feelings following the goal. “I thought it was a good game. Japan are a good team, but we took our chance when we got it and let it slip at the end, but we’re just learning what to take from it.

“I got a chance just before it [the goal], but I thought I took my chance well when I came on.”

It has been an eventful week for the teenager, who also trained with Lee Carsley’s U21 squad.

Shea Lacey on his week

“It’s good to join him [Carsley]. Some of the players are top players playing in the top leagues. You want to get the call-up permanently and stay around.

“It’s good to play with new players. It’s about getting everyone playing together and getting used to each other, but you can see the ability everyone’s got.”

This shows how highly-rated he is within the England hierarchy. Now for the talented star to get a chance under Amorim. With the AFCON coming up and Amad and Bryan Mbeumo set to depart, this might be the chance he was hoping for.

And such showings on the international stage will certainly help.

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