In an exciting landmark, this was the largest group of City youngsters that have featured for the national side in a single match in the club’s history, and indicates the growing strength of the Academy.
Cameron McCulloch, Sadou Diallo and Elan Assiana started the fixture, while Joshua Murray and Lukas Nmecha both made their debuts from the bench.
The City contingent all gave a good account of themselves in an entertaining fixture, although the Young Lions slipped to a narrow 1-0 defeat thanks to a Shea Conaty goal.
Unfortunately, Murray suffered a broken leg after coming on a substitute, and had to spend the night in hospital before returning to Manchester.
Everyone at the club wishes him a speedy recovery.
All five come from the first age-group to benefit from City’s groundbreaking partnership with St Bede’s, which allows young footballers the chance to receive a full-time education alongside daily football training.
The programme is evidently beginning to bear fruit, with multiple players catching the eye at international level.
Head of Academy, Mark Allen, said: “We sent eight players to the England development centre at the beginning of the season and had great feedback about all eight of them and, from the information we’ve had, this may not be the end of the call-ups for the Victory Shield from a City point of view.”
Midfielder Will Patching made his debut for England u16s last month in a 1-0 victory over Wales.
