Why Isn't Greenwood on Tuchel's England Radar?

In July 2024, Mason Greenwood made headlines when he transferred from Manchester United to Marseille for £26.6 million. The young striker's move came after a controversial exit from United, where serious charges against him were dropped. Despite his success at Marseille, England's national team manager, Thomas Tuchel, stated that Greenwood is not currently on the radar for the national squad. Greenwood’s aspirations to represent Jamaica are also in limbo as he has yet to fully commit, sparking discussions about his international future.

Last updated: 15 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Mason Greenwood transferred to Marseille from Manchester United for £26.6 million.
• England manager Thomas Tuchel has not spoken to Greenwood about an international return.
• Greenwood has expressed interest in representing Jamaica but has not fully committed.
• He has scored 23 goals in 39 appearances for Marseille since joining.
• Greenwood's international future remains uncertain as he focuses on club football.

Background on Mason Greenwood

Mason Greenwood, once hailed as a rising star at Manchester United, faced significant challenges in his career due to legal issues. After charges of attempted rape and assault were dropped in February 2023, he left the club under a cloud of controversy. His departure from United marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career.

Transfer to Marseille

In July 2024, Greenwood signed a permanent deal with French club Marseille, reportedly for £26.6 million. This transfer came after a successful loan spell at Getafe, where he demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess. At Marseille, Greenwood quickly made an impact, netting 23 goals in just 39 appearances across all competitions, showcasing his talent and ability to adapt to new challenges.

Thomas Tuchel on Greenwood's England Future

Despite Greenwood's impressive performances at club level, England manager Thomas Tuchel has made it clear that the player is not currently being considered for the national team. In a recent press conference, Tuchel stated, "I have not spoken to him or his camp," indicating that Greenwood's potential return to the England squad is not on the agenda.

Tuchel's Remarks on Jamaica Commitment

Greenwood has been in discussions about switching his international allegiance from England to Jamaica. He has obtained a Jamaican passport but has not yet completed the necessary paperwork to formalise this change. This indecision has frustrated the Jamaican national team coach, Steve McClaren, who had hoped to include Greenwood in upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

The Jamaican National Team’s Interest

McClaren expressed disappointment regarding Greenwood's hesitance to commit to Jamaica. He noted, "He’s not going to commit at this time to anybody," highlighting the complexity of Greenwood's situation. The Jamaican coach is keen on incorporating Greenwood into the squad, recognising his talent and the potential benefits for the team.

Greenwood's Focus on Club Football

Currently, Greenwood seems to be prioritising his club career over international commitments. His recent performances for Marseille have been impressive, and he appears to want to concentrate on this aspect of his career before making any decisions regarding international representation. McClaren acknowledged this, stating, "He wants to concentrate on club football and not commit to an international team at the present moment." This focus may lead to a delay in any potential international debut, whether for England or Jamaica.

Current Status and Future Prospects

As of now, Greenwood's future in international football remains uncertain. His decision to delay commitment to Jamaica suggests he is weighing his options carefully. The situation is further complicated by the fact that he has already played for England, albeit in a limited capacity with just one cap. The ongoing discussions and the lack of clarity around his international allegiance mean that fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see what decision he ultimately makes.

Conclusion

Mason Greenwood's journey from Manchester United to Marseille has been marked by controversy and resilience. With his performance at Marseille indicating he still has a bright future in football, the question remains whether he will return to the international stage. As both England and Jamaica await his decision, Greenwood's next steps will be crucial, not only for his career but also for the teams vying for his talents.

FAQs

Why did Mason Greenwood leave Manchester United?

Mason Greenwood left Manchester United after serious charges against him, including attempted rape and assault, were dropped in February 2023. This decision marked the end of a controversial period in his career.

How much did Mason Greenwood transfer to Marseille for?

Greenwood transferred to Marseille for £26.6 million in July 2024, following a loan spell at Getafe where he also performed well.

Is Mason Greenwood eligible to play for Jamaica?

Yes, Mason Greenwood is eligible to play for Jamaica as he has obtained a Jamaican passport, but he has not yet completed the necessary paperwork to formalise his switch from England.

What has Thomas Tuchel said about Greenwood's England future?

Thomas Tuchel has stated that he has not spoken to Greenwood and that the player is not currently in consideration for the England team, as he appears to be focusing on playing for Jamaica.

How many goals has Greenwood scored for Marseille?

Since joining Marseille, Mason Greenwood has scored 23 goals in 39 appearances, indicating a strong performance in front of goal for his new club.