As Shea Lacey continues to make a case for breaking into Manchester United's first-team on a permanent basis, it won't be too long before he's also representing his country at international level.

In recent memory, it hasn't taken Premier League youngsters long to take that step. Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha and Fulham's Josh King are the most recent examples. They've both featured in Thomas Tuchel's England squads and very much represent the future of his best sides.

Things aren't quite as simple for Lacey, however. He is eligible to play for more than one country and must decide which one he would like to represent.

Which National Teams Can Shea Lacey Play For?

Lacey has quite the decision to make. Whilst the assumption may be that he'll go onto represent England at senior level after playing for the U20s side, it's not that easy.

The young winger has featured 24 times for the Three Lions' youth setup from U15s all the way to U20s, but is also eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland, given that his dad, Paddy, is from Ireland.

It has sparked a battle for his services at international level, with discussion already taking place within Irish circles about his eligibility. Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson was asked about the possibility of Lacey playing for his side, insisting that he is yet to approach the Man United winger.

"No, no approach from me. (Smiling) That would be for other guys in the association to have that contact. But no, it was interesting looking at his Irish connection."

The Ireland boss kept his cards close to his chest, though it's easy to see why the question has been posed. Lacey's brother, Paddy, wears the tricolour on his shorts when he boxes, so there is already some sporting representation for the Irish side of the family.

Whether Lacey joins his brother in proudly representing Ireland remains to be seen, however. He has a big decision to make.

Why Players Can Switch National Teams

Of course, Lacey wouldn't be the first to switch allegiances at international level. Declan Rice famously switched from Ireland to England in 2019 and has been a mainstay for the Three Lions ever since. But why can players switch national teams?

Players can switch national teams thanks to FIFA eligibility rules. Article 9 of FIFA's Regulations Governing the Application of the Statutes deals with changing associations.

The rules allow a player to change their national team allegiance only once, but the 2020 update also facilitated a reversal of a change request in certain specific circumstances.

FIFA allows footballers to change their international team allegiance in recognition of the complexities of individual identity that accompany the increasingly globalised society in which we live.

It is accepted that players often hold more than one eligibility and a change can be made before they reach senior level. Once players earn their first cap at senior level, their representation cannot change. This means that Lacey has until that point to make a decision.