Jim Thwaites makes England U20 debut as Shea Lacey starts vs France

England U20s beat France on Tuesday with plenty of Manchester United representation, including the debut for Jim Thwaites at any youth level for his nation.

Last week, it was Shea Lacey who stole the show for England with a stunning solo goal after coming off the bench, which was trademark Lacey in style. Ayden Heaven and Harry Amass both started that game too with positive outings.

Against France U20 on Tuesday, Lacey and Heaven both started, while off the bench, Jim Thwaites made his England debut as he replaced Southampton’s Jack Robinson. While Jack Fletcher also got a run out against the French side.

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Thwaites got called up by England for his first international recognition after making a pre-season appearance for United and stepping up into U21 football with ease. Interestingly, Thwaites was the only England midfielder yet to play a minute of Premier League football, pointing to how highly regarded he is by the FA and England set-up.

By Thwaites being fast-tracked by England, it shows that United must also platform and prioritise his development this season, giving him opportunities to step into the first-team as United’s current best prospect.

It is a real signal of faith in Thwaites, and United need to recognise the massive talent that he is and treat him as such. Elsewhere, Lacey got 60 minutes, not scoring or assisting, but by accounts of those in attendance, he had another positive outing, which furthers his development and keeps him fit and ready to contribute to United in two weeks.

Thwaites will now be hoping to go one further and get more minutes this coming Saturday against Germany, which will conclude the international break for him, Lacey, Amass, Heaven, and Fletcher, who will all be hoping to be training with the United first-team next week.

Given how talented Thwaites is, we can only assume that he impressed, which could see him quickly become vital for England U20, and Michael Carrick should follow suit. Having so many players in the England ranks at this level is really exciting for United, with four of the five feasible senior prospects in the next few years.