Mason Greenwood has decided to close the door on England and as such has switched his international allegiance to Jamaica.
Greenwood made the decision after the FA made it clear he wouldn’t be considered for selection again, ending his hopes of adding to his one cap which he earned back in 2020. The Three Lions’ stance emerged after Greenwood was suspended by Manchester United his employers at the time when he was charged with attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and controlling and coercive behaviour three years ago.
Greenwood denied the charges, which were subsequently dropped, but it still led to his eventual departure from United with the striker joining Marseille in a permanent move last summer. The forward was highly-rated as he rose through the ranks at Old Trafford and he has attempted to salvage his career first on loan in Spain with Getafe and now in France.
Despite impressive showings in Spain and France, the England set-up have made it known that he won’t be picked in the future, which has forced his hand. Leading lights at Wembley acknowledged that picking him again was a risk due to the negative publicity it would generate, according to the Daily Star.
Greenwood has now turned to Jamaica and completed the necessary paperwork so that he can be picked by former United assistant manager Steve McClaren, who is now in charge. He qualifies for the Caribbean nation through his father, who was born in Jamaica.
Greenwood won his one England cap before his 21st birthday, that coming against Iceland in September 2020, and means he’s able to swap countries.
Prior to the Euros back in the summer then England boss Gareth Southgate was quizzed on whether he’d consider a recall for Greenwood and said: “I think at this moment in time it would be a big distraction for the team and let’s see where that leads next season. I would need to know more details about the whole thing before it was an option.”
Greenwood will have to wait to make his Jamaica debut with Marseille unwilling to release Greenwood for their two games next month, because they are friendlies. He is expected to be named in McClaren’s squad for the first time in June.
The ex-United forward has scored 12 goals to become the leading scorer in Ligue 1 this season. Marseille boss, Roberto De Zerbi, said after signing Greenwood: “He’s just exceptional. He’s a great player and it shows. I’m happy to see him score to end all the controversy in the media.”
– Mirror
Source:
ghanaiantimes.com.gh
Source link
