The format felt like competitive games and we were playing two games in the meet ups instead of one. So the answer is yes. Miles better than just games against random teams.
Men's under-20s England v Japan MU20 International 7.30pm, Friday 14 November Doncaster Rovers FC Get tickets Squad named: 1pm, Friday 7 November
Ben Futcher has named his U20 #YoungLions squad to face Japan later this month 🇯🇵— England (@England) November 7, 2025 First call-up for Charlie Gray.
The Squad Goalkeepers: Ted Curd (Chelsea), Elyh Harrison (Shrewsbury Town, on loan from Manchester United), Finlay Herrick (West Ham United) Defenders: Olabade Aluko (Leicester City), Benjamin Arthur (Brentford), Somto Boniface (Ipswich Town), Jayden Meghoma (Rangers, on loan from Brentford), Harrison Murray-Campbell (Chelsea), Amara Nallo (Liverpool), Triston Rowe (Annecy, on loan from Aston Villa) Midfielders: Charlie Gray (Manchester City), Shea Lacey (Manchester United), Kieran Morgan (QPR), Law McCabe (Plymouth Argyle, on loan from Middlesbrough), Lewis Orford (Stevanage, on loan from West Ham United) Forwards: Samuel Amo-Ameyaw (Strasbourg), Ato Ampah (Chelsea), Micah Mbick (Colchester United, on loan from Charlton Athletic), Joel Ndala (Hull City, on loan from Manchester City), Ethan Wheatley (Northampton Town, on loan from Manchester United)
Interesting Benjamin Arthur in there as is a 2005 born Vs last squad In Ted Curd - GK Amara Nallo - DEF Benjamin Arthur (2005) - DEF Triston Rowe - DEF Charlie Gray - MID - 1st Call up Kieran Morgan - MID Joel Ndala - ATT Micah Mbick - 1st call up Out Tommy Setford - GK - To U21s Ayden Heaven - DEF Charlie Tasker - DEF - Withdrew from last squad injured Eyimofe Jemide - DEF Lakyle Samuel - DEF Harrison McMahon - MID Jamaldeen Jimoh - MID Kiano Dyer - MID Jimmy Jay Morgan - ATT Tom Watson - ATT [Who moved up to 21s last time out] Plus Louis Page and Alejandro Gomes Rodrigues played in the game last time but were never named in squad so presumably just filled in
Slightly surprised Russell-Denny hasn't been called up to this age group in this cycle, thought he was one of the better players for the U19s in the last Euros.
I mentioned him in the dual national thread - Interesting that they are making special dispensation for certain dual options.Good move.
Been calling for Charlie Gray for a while, very good footballer who links play brilliantly glad to see him get the opportunity, well deserved
Ted Curd (Chelsea) has been replaced by George Pickford (Everton) Law McCabe (Plymouth Argyle, on loan from Middlesbrough) has been replaced by Josh Ajala (West Ham United) Charlie Gray (Manchester City) has been replaced by Harrison McMahon (Chelsea)
Shea Lacey training with the U21’s -Shea Lacey was called to train with England’s U21s this week - as called by @NathSalt1 Here is some of the footage from training 👇#MUFC #MUAcademy pic.twitter.com/abVz908mGJ— UnitedAnalyst (@UnitedAnalyst7) November 13, 2025
Lee Carsley on Shea Lacey - Lacey, who is continuing to impress Ruben Amorim and Manchester United first team staff in training, only made his debut for England Under-20s in the last international break but he is already knocking on the door. 'He's been in the pathway a good amount of time now and he's a player that we rate highly,' Carsley added. '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.' https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-15288625/Arsenal-wonderkid-Max-Dowman-15-contention-promoted-FIVE-age-groups-England-21s-Lee-Carsley-considers-Man-United-talent-Shea-Lacey.html
Like the comments about patience, too many assume kids are fully developed at 19/20 which is very short sited. Lacey at 22 could be some player
such a strange age group for us. always has been. it is more of a bridge to playing league football than it is for playing at the highest level, and certainly for getting into the senior setup. Konsa won the U20 world cup in 2017. outside of him, only Gordon was capped at U20 level.
As far as I can see 17 of the current squad got under 20 caps? Most the ones who didn't are people who didn't get underage caps (Rice, Burn, Bowen). Not too many bypassed entirely, though not many there for long either. I think its good to keep players around the set up, particularly seeing how many do advance to the seniors. Especially given how important dual-national battles are. It was a lot easier keeping someone like Eze in the system who had very keen interest by him being able to play in the under 20s for for example, when he otherwise wasn't really in the picture for call ups.
you're right. bad data on my end. re-pulled: Konsa, Quansah, Stones, James, Rashford, Kane, Henderson (Dean), Pickford, Trafford, Eze, Rogers, Wharton, Scott, O'Reilly, Gordon. my bias sits with the non-competitive age groups of U18s, U20s and what is the most optimal way of deploying our talent at these sensitive development points in time. the dual national element is a good argument, fully taken on board. the competitiveness (per the above discussion) has taken a knock back. more so asking the question of: "are we doing it right?".
Shea Lacey’s goal for England u20s last night against Japan u20s ⚽️Everything going right for him at the moment, with great performances on a regular basis. Hopefully gets a first team opportunity soon? 🤞#MUFC #MUAcademy pic.twitter.com/urZWUWJYXk— UnitedAnalyst (@UnitedAnalyst7) November 15, 2025
Really like bits that I've seen from Wheatley this season. Think there's a real player in there. Growing into his frame more & more, with real running power behind it too.
Diego Leon and Sekou Kone are two of the young Manchester United players who could go out on loan in January, and Ayden Heaven's situation is also likely to be assessed - Daily Mail