Revived Greenwood cannot count on an invitation for England

Mason Greenwood’s footballing journey has been marked by both brilliance and controversy.

His talent was evident early on, making his debut for Manchester United at the age of 17, and shortly after, earning his first cap for England in a Nations League match against Iceland in 2020. However, the trajectory of his career changed dramatically when, just months after his England debut, Greenwood, along with fellow youngster Phil Foden, was caught breaching the national team’s strict COVID-19 protocols. The two had reportedly invited women to their hotel rooms while on international duty, violating the team’s bubble. As a result, they were swiftly dropped from the squad by manager Gareth Southgate.

While Foden, who plays for Manchester City, quickly bounced back from the incident and solidified his place as a key player for both club and country, Greenwood's situation took a much darker turn. In early 2022, Greenwood was accused of assault and rape by his then-girlfriend, leading to his suspension from Manchester United and eventual legal proceedings. The allegations shocked the football world and left Greenwood’s career in jeopardy. Although the charges were later dropped, and he was not prosecuted, Manchester United opted to cut ties with the forward, signaling that his time at the club had come to an end.

With his reputation severely tarnished and no immediate future in English football, Greenwood found refuge in Spain. A loan move to Getafe in La Liga provided him with a second chance to rebuild his career. While there, he began to show flashes of the talent that had once made him one of the most exciting young prospects in Europe. His performances in Spain caught the attention of several clubs, but it was Olympique Marseille who took the plunge, signing Greenwood for approximately 25 million euros in the summer of 2024.

At Marseille, Greenwood has wasted no time making an impact. In his first three games for the French club, the left-footed striker found the back of the net five times, quickly establishing himself as the top scorer in Ligue 1. His goal-scoring prowess has helped propel Marseille to second place in the league standings, under the management of Roberto De Zerbi, who has given Greenwood the confidence and platform to rediscover his best form. His performances in Ligue 1, especially in such a short period, have reignited discussions about whether he could return to the England national team.

Ordinarily, such a strong start to the season would put any player on the radar of the national team selectors. However, despite Greenwood's form, interim England coach Lee Carsley has not considered him for a call-up. “I am aware of his performances, but we haven’t considered it,” Carsley told reporters during a press conference. This statement reflects the reality that Greenwood’s off-the-field issues may still be a significant factor in his exclusion from the national team. His legal troubles, and the way they were perceived in England, have seemingly left a lasting mark on his international prospects.

The question remains whether Greenwood will ever wear the England shirt again. While his footballing abilities are undeniable, the weight of his past actions may continue to hinder his return to the national setup. Even if he continues to score goals and shine at Marseille, his reputation in England remains complicated. A potential alternative for Greenwood is representing Jamaica, the country of his father’s heritage. FIFA’s eligibility rules allow players to switch national allegiances if they meet certain criteria, and with Greenwood having fallen out of favor with the England setup, a move to play for Jamaica could offer him the international football platform he may no longer receive from England.

As of now, Greenwood’s career is in a phase of recovery. His performances in France show that his talent has not diminished, but the journey back to national recognition in England remains uncertain. Whether he will be able to restore his reputation enough to make a return to the England squad, or if he will ultimately choose a different path, such as representing Jamaica, remains to be seen. In the meantime, his focus will likely remain on continuing to deliver on the pitch for Marseille, where he appears to have found a new home and a fresh start.