COLCHESTER United striker Micah Mbick has been called up to the England under-20 squad.
The young forward, who is on loan at the U’s from Championship side Charlton Athletic, has been in excellent form and has been rewarded in the shape of selection for the Young Lions’ game against Japan at Doncaster Rovers’ Eco-Power Stadium on Friday, November 14 (kick-off 7.30pm).
Mbick, who celebrates his 19th birthday tomorrow, has scored five times in ten appearances since joining Colchester on a season-long loan from Charlton, on deadline day.
As a result of his call-up, Mbick will miss Colchester’s League Two clash with leaders Walsall, on November 15.
Colchester head coach Danny Cowley said: “It’s brilliant for him – I’m just so pleased for him, such a proud moment.
“It’s so thoroughly well deserved – he’s some player that kid, some player.
Your England U20 Squad To Face Japan.
🏴 pic.twitter.com/HTWzs3saUF— The England Academy (@EnglandAcad) November 7, 2025
“We’re disappointed for us that we’re going to lose him for the Walsall game but so pleased for him, because a massive achievement and I think a real inspiration for all of our young players.
“Ben Futcher has managed and coached at these levels as well, so he respects the standards.
“You wonder whether people look at these levels especially when you’re talking about England recognition but I’m so pleased for him and it’s so well deserved.
“I know all the nines in that age group and he’s top, that kid, absolutely top.
“I’d known for about a week to ten days that they were considering it and I didn’t know if he knew!
“I didn’t want to be the one to tell him, because I didn’t think it was my place.
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“Having lived it with my daughter [Isabella], I remember being so proud when she was selected.
“Ben Futcher [England under-20 coach] is someone I know well and we’d had a good conversation about Micah and his progress.
“He said that he’d spoken to Micah this morning.
“I asked Micah if he’d told his Mum and Dad and he said ‘no’ and I said ‘stop eating your breakfast, get out there, get on the phone and phone them up and tell them because they’re going to be so proud’.
“Just think of all those times they’ve picked you up and taken you from here to there to support you and help you with your development, so give them a call!”
Mbick is available to play for Colchester in their League Two home clash with Bromley tomorrow (12.30pm kick-off).
