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Marseille striker Mason Greenwood has formally applied to switch his international allegiance from England to Jamaica, ending any possibility of a return to the Three Lions setup.
The 23-year-old forward, who previously earned a single England cap in 2020, has informed FIFA and the Football Association (FA) of his decision. Greenwood, who has been in excellent form for Marseille this season, is eager to revive his international career with Jamaica.
Greenwood’s only England appearance came in a UEFA Nations League match against Iceland in September 2020, but his international prospects took a downturn after he and teammate Phil Foden were dismissed from the squad for breaching COVID-19 protocols. His situation worsened in January 2022 when he was arrested on charges including attempted rape and assault. Although the charges were later dropped in February 2023, Greenwood remained sidelined from both Manchester United and the England national team.
Despite his strong performances in Ligue 1, where he has netted 16 goals in 26 appearances, Greenwood was never in contention for an England recall under former manager Gareth Southgate. New England boss Thomas Tuchel, who is set to announce his first squad, will not consider Greenwood due to his allegiance switch.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham confirmed the development, stating, “My understanding is he’s formally requested to switch, and once that process is completed, he will no longer be eligible to represent England.” He also clarified that there had been no direct discussions regarding Greenwood’s potential return to the national team.
Greenwood’s move to Marseille in July 2024 for £26.6 million marked a fresh start following his departure from Manchester United. His impressive performances have fueled speculation about a possible transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in the future. However, on the international stage, his focus is now on joining Jamaica’s squad, where he could reunite with former Manchester United assistant coach Steve McClaren, who is currently managing the Reggae Boyz.
Jamaica has been making significant strides in international football, and Greenwood’s addition could provide a major boost to their attacking options. If FIFA approves his switch, he could make his debut for Jamaica in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram / @masongreenwood, Pixabay / jorono
