Manchester United prodigy Shea Lacey scored for England Under-20s against Japan on Friday. Lacey came off the bench in the 60th minute and opened the scoring with a precise shot from the edge of the box.
Despite a hard effort, Japan managed to salvage a draw with a last-minute goal at Eco-Power Stadium. It was Lacey’s first goal for England Under-20s, having been called up to the squad for the first time last month. The 18-year-old also had the privilege of training with England’s first team at St George’s Park during the October international break following his promotion from manager Thomas Tuchel.
His performances have attracted attention, with Lee Carsley, the England Under-21 national team manager, also praising him.
“He’s been around for quite some time and is a player we rate highly,” Carsley told the Daily Mail.
He added: “It worked out that we needed that position for the training we were doing and Shea was happy to come and train with the Under-21 team.
“We can see that he has good talent. I know he has struggled with injuries in the past and that will probably hinder his development. But I think it’s very important that we don’t rush these young players and allow them to develop in their own time. I think he trained two sessions with us and I enjoyed being with him.”
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, United Under-21s manager Travis Binion spoke highly of Lacey. He said, “Listen, everyone in the world knows about Shea Lacey. So he needs a little bit of wealth, he needs to be patient with himself, and everyone else needs to be really patient with him.”
“Because of the time loss, he is in the same realm as Sendou. Unlike Sendou (Obi), Sendou is progressing quickly. He has a long way to go tactically, physically, and mentally because of the loss with Shia.”
“Everyone can see the talent he has. You have to be blind not to see. He has a lot of work to do in his game and he knows it. We are still managing him physically, because I think everyone thinks that if he can stay on the pitch and train every day, he can be a top, top player.”
United view Lacey as a potential first-team player and were cautious about his playing time last season, with the aim of preventing further injuries.
Lacey has garnered a lot of attention over the past few years, and those who follow the academy are excited about his potential.
Comparisons have been drawn between Lacey and Phil Foden, and like the Manchester City star, Lacey’s long-term future could lie in an attacking midfield role.
