It has been finally revealed why Manchester United sensation Manson Greenwood remained out of England’s latest national team squad.
On November 4, 2020, numerous reports were suggesting that Machester United’s Mason Greenwood could well be back in action for the England national team this month.
Flashback to that day two months ago, Greenwood was preparing to make his debut in a crucial UEFA Nations League game against Iceland. Gareth Southgate brought him on for Harry Kane at the 78th-minute of the game, when it the scoreline was still 0-0.
A collective effort from the nine out-field English players (Kyle Walker saw a red card at 70th-minute that day), Raheem Sterling’s well-placed penalty, and some sheer luck (Birkir Bjarnason missed his dying-minute spot-kick) earned the Three Lions a hard-fought three points.
The next test for England was an away game to Denmark. Greenwood was reportedly in the race to start the match in the senior colours for the first time. Instead, he and his partner-in-crime Phil Foden were sent back from national duty following an unprecedented scenario.
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The story broke out that Greenwood and Foden, without informing the officials, had allegedly invited girls into their hotel room. By doing so, not only did they break the regulations set for the players and supporting personnel amidst the global pandemic, but they also placed their and their teammates’ lives at risk.
Hence, Southgate and his management decided to take both individuals out of the limelight on the back of an odd situation. Neither Greenwood nor Foden got the call-up for England’s international games in October.
On November 5, 2020, Southgate announced his 29-man squad for England’s upcoming games against Ireland, Belgium, and Iceland next week. Although Manchester City playmaker Phil Foden made his return to the English roster, Mason Greenwood, despite all the talks, was left out of the squad.
Now, David Ornstein, via his column in The Athletic, has revealed that the main cause behind Greenwood’s omission from the renewed England squad.
The story suggests that Mason Greenwood’s response to the ill-fated experience in Iceland hasn’t had been as encouraging as it has been the case for Phil Foden.
Before constructing a definitive conclusion upon the squad selection, Southgate is believed to have called Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to learn more about the current situation with Mason Greenwood.
Solskjaer understandably told Southgate that it would be better for the 19-year-old forward to remain away from the national duty for the time being. Due to several injuries and health concerns, Greenwood missed the games against Newcastle and Everton.
There are concerns that he isn’t having proper sleep at night, making him lethargic during United’s training sessions. Besides, his irregular daily life is jeopardising his immune system and concentration levels.
Known for his lethal finishing with both feet, Greenwood has managed two goals and racked up one assist having played for 366 minutes across all competitions in the 2020-21 season.
Greenwood is thought to be the most promising prospect Manchester United have produced in recent years, and there is evidently an element of being a future world-class prodigy inside him.
If that is the case, the forward riding on a train that has got a bit distracted from its actual destination. And all his focus should be on bringing it back on track before it is too late.
Do you think Greenwood could be a world-beater?