Three of Manchester United’s top prospects featured for England’s under-20 side over the weekend.
The international break creates a pause for the Premier League and Championship, while for League One and League Two clubs, the games continue.
There was one game postponed in League One, with Reading’s match against Northampton cancelled because of the number of international players called up for duty for the visitors.
One of these was Northampton’s Manchester United’s loanee, Ethan Wheatley, who was called up to the England under-20s squad.
Photo by Matt McNulty – The FA/The FA via Getty ImagesEthan Wheatley called up to England under-20s
Ethan Wheatley was a second half substitute for England’s under-20s, making his first ever appearance at this level.
Wheatley has now represented England at under-17s, 18s, 19s, and 20s level. In the summer he featured at the under-19s European Championship and scored two goals in three games.
The Manchester United youth striker was named on the bench and came on in the second half as England fell to a 2-1 home defeat to Italy.
Wheatley has scored once on loan for Northampton this season, and this run out for England was another chance for him to get more game time under his belt.
The 19-year-old had a disappointing loan at Walsall last season but is glad to already get off the mark, hoping for a more successful stint in 2025/26.
Ayden Heaven and Elyh Harrison featured
First team regular Ayden Heaven was among the starters for England in the 2-1 loss, while goalkeeper Elyh Harrison started in goal.
Heaven, 18, was also making his England under-20s debut, making the jump from the under-18s squad.
Harrison was praised on the FA’s website for denying Italy on ‘multiple occasions’ with the Manchester United stopper making a good impression.
He is on loan at League Two side Shrewsbury Town, making six starts so far while keeping one clean sheet.
Marcus Rashford was the only Manchester United player in the England senior squad, and halfway through the exit door.
So it is good to see young talent representing England at youth levels, picking up valuable experience.