If Mason Greenwood has established himself in Marseille, on the scale of selection football, he is not welcome anywhere. Since he was accused of domestic violence and attempted rape of his partner – the charges were dropped – the 24-year-old striker has no longer been called up for the England team and Thomas Tuchel recently confirmed that his return was not an option.
The England international (1 selection) considered turning to Jamaica, the country of his grandparents. He obtained his passport this summer, but the president of the federation explained to The Athletic that the former Mancunian had declined a call-up in September for World Cup qualifying. “He responded that it was a family decision not to make himself available at this time,” Michael Ricketts said.
“That would say a lot about him”
While the “Reggae Boyz” still hope to qualify for the 2026 World Cup via the intercontinental barrier, this rejection is unlikely to convince their hypothetical future teammates to welcome them with open arms. Currently, most would be opposed to his selection, even more so if he deprived another Jamaican international of the World Cup without having participated in the qualifiers.
Even Isaac Hayden, born as Greenwood in England. “I don’t think it would suit me or any other player,” the QPR midfielder assures The Athletic. If players could only show up for a World Cup, it would be a real farce. That would say a lot about him and the organization that would accept him. »
“Many of us gave our blood, sweat and tears for years playing for the country, despite what was happening behind the scenes,” explains Amari’i Bell (29 caps). It wouldn’t be fair to those who have been through all this and will never get another chance to play in a World Cup. » In Jamaica, Greenwood’s talent would not be enough.