1 goal, 90% pass accuracy, 1 key pass: United starlet shines despite heart-breaking defeat for national team

James Scanlon scored his second international goal in Gibraltar’s narrow 1-2 defeat to the Faroe Islands.

The 18 year old enjoyed a wonderful season at academy level, scoring 22 goals and providing seven assists at academy level.

He has become a regular in international football for Gibraltar, winning his 14th cap against the Faroes in World Cup qualifying.

Scanlon and his national side suffered a 0-7 defeat last time out against Croatia but started much better in yesterday’s match.

The Gibraltarians began confidently and took the lead in the 23rd minute of action with a lovely strike.

The ball broke to the United man at the edge of the box after some nice build up play and he expertly fired a controlled finish into the bottom left hand corner of the goal.

It was his second ever international goal after finding the back of the net against Liechtenstein last September.

SCANNNEEERRRRSSSSSS!@FIFAWorldCup || @UEFAEURO pic.twitter.com/9CwTJIevPG

— Gibraltar FA (@GibraltarFA) June 9, 2025

He is now sixth on the country’s goalscoring charts, four behind their all-time top scorer Liam Walker on six goals. At only 18 years of age, he will certainly be looking to break this record in the future.

Scanlon was given a rating of 7 on Sofascore as he played the entire match for his side. Despite going into the half-time break 1-0 up, two late goals by the hosts in Tórshavn saw Scanlon’s side fall to their latest defeat.

The United player had two further efforts blocked to go alongside his goal.

He completed 90% of his passing attempts and also produced one key pass for his team, despite their limited attacking threat in the match.

Scanlon won three of his ground duels but did not win any of his aerial battles.

The 18 year old will now go on holiday and hope to be given a chance in United’s pre-season tour this summer. He will either get a chance in the first team squad or be looking for a loan to gain further experience of senior football at club level in the 2025/2026 season.

Featured image Carsten Harz via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social