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Manchester United’s Clare teen chooses Ireland after England call-up
Published 14:40 18 Aug 2026 BST
Updated 14:40 18 Aug 2026 BST
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Ireland's Ben Lyne, 15, has been in the news this week after a reported tug of war between the Republic of Ireland and England football teams.
The Manchester United academy player, who is just 15-years-old, received call-ups for both the Ireland and England U16s squads last week.
Lyne has represented the Ireland U15s, scoring twice on his debut against the Netherlands in March.
The teen was born in the Cayman Islands, but grew up in Ennis, Co Clare, where he played Gaelic football for Éire Óg.
It was at a tournament in England, representing Total Soccer Cayman, where he was spotted and signed by the Wolves academy.
His performances for the English side led to him being snapped up by Man United, and he has recently shone for the Red Devils in the Super Cup NI, marking himself out as one of their top prospects.
Because of his English background, he was able to bypass the Brexit laws, which prevent Irish players from joining English academies until they are 18.
Thankfully for Ireland fans, he has pulled out of the England U16 squad - as reported by Reptracker's Conor McEvoy - in favour of playing for the Boys in Green in their upcoming games against Wales.
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