Report: England MU20s 1-1 Japan

England men’s under-20s rounded off 2025 with a 1-1 draw against Japan in an international match in Doncaster on Friday evening.

Shea Lacey’s strike opened the scoring before Hisatsugu Ishii levelled in the last minute of second-half stoppage time to rescue a result for the visitors.

Ben Futcher’s side competed in front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster - their sole fixture of the November international window.

A cagey start from both sides saw few chances in the early stages of the game. However, it would be the Blue Samurai who would take control as the match progressed.

Sena Ishibashi took a corner which he earned, floating the ball into Nelson Ishiwatari, who nodded a looping effort over Finlay Herrick and onto the roof of the net.

Japan continued to threaten through Ishibashi, but Futcher’s side held firm, fashioning a couple of their own chances as the half went on.

Firstly, Jayden Meghoma’s dangerous delivery from a corner caused widespread confusion in the Japan penalty area, allowing Lewis Orford the opportunity to test Alexandre Pisano from just outside the box.

The West Ham United midfielder then attempted an audacious effort from inside his own half after Pisano’s clearance landed at his feet. Fortunately for the young goalkeeper, Orford’s shot landed just wide of his left post.

Few chances followed as the interval arrived at a blustery and wet Eco-Power Stadium. England started the second half brightly as Meghoma ventured from his usual left-back position to test Pisano from a tight angle.

The Young Lions had more of the ball as they looked to break through a stubborn Japanese defence. Joel Ndala showcased brilliant skills but was unable to direct an effort past Pisano in the Blue Samurai goal.

And with just under 15 minutes to go, substitute Lacey opened the scoring as the Manchester United forward struck home from just inside the penalty area after a well-worked move.

But Japan continued to threaten for an equaliser in the dying embers, with Ishii levelling in the last attack of the game in Doncaster.

England: 1 Finlay Herrick (West Ham United), 2 Triston Rowe (Annecy, on loan from Aston Villa), 3 Jayden Meghoma, (Rangers, on loan from Brentford), 4 Harrison Murray-Campbell (Chelsea), 5 Benjamin Arthur (Brentford), 6 Lewis Orford (Stevenage, on loan from West Ham United), 7 Ato Ampah (Chelsea), 8 Kieran Morgan (Queens Park Rangers), 9 Ethan Wheatley, (Northampton Town, on loan from Manchester United), 10 Joshua Ajala (West Ham United), 11 Joel Ndala (Hull City, on loan from Manchester City).

Substitutions: 17 Shea Lacey (Manchester United) for Ajala 60’, 18 Micah Mbick (Colchester United, on loan from Charlton Athletic) for Wheatley 60’, 12 Olabade Aluko (Leicester City) for Rowe 78’, 14 Amara Nallo (Liverpool) for Ampah 78’, 15 Somto Boniface (Ipswich Town) for Meghoma 82’.

Substitutes not used: 13 George Pickford (Everton), 22 Jack Thompson (Braintree, on loan from Derby County).

Goals: Lacey 77’