Republic of Ireland youth international Ben Lyne has rejected England after pulling out of an U16 squad for an upcoming window.

Lyne is one of Ireland’s most exciting prospects and is part of the famed Manchester United academy. The forward joined the Red Devils from Wolves last year, and should feature in Darren Fletcher’s U18 side this year, where fellow Irish-qualified wingers Shea Lacey and JJ Gabriel have impressed.

Ben Lyne was born in the Cayman Islands, but grew up in County Clare, and also has connections to England, making him qualified for both countries.

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Ben Lyne. Pic: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

His birthplace meant that he was able to get past the Brexit laws, which prevent Irish players from joining English sides until they are 18, and he joined Wolves’ academy before moving to the Red Devils.

Lyne has represented Ireland at U15 level, captaining the side earlier this year, and has scored twice from his three caps thus far at that level. However, there was a scare amongst Irish fans when he was surprisingly called up to an England U16 squad.

Former Manchester United youth coach Neil Ryan had selected Lyne for the Three Lions’ upcoming games against Italy in Florence.

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Ben Lyne. Pic: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

However, days after being called up, Lyne has withdrawn from the squad along with Emmanuel Famokun, to be replaced by Jaice Dore and Eliah Semakula. This was a huge sigh of relief for fans worried that there would be another Declan Rice or Jack Grealish situation.

But Conor McEvoy of RepTracker on X revealed that Lyne has never considered playing for England, always prioritising representing the country he was raised in.

Lyne also has a strong GAA connection, having grown up playing for Éire Óg in Ennis, winning an U15A county title for the club, scoring three goals in the final at Cusack Park.