Steve McClaren’s comments on Mason Greenwood speak volumes after ditching England plans

Mason Greenwood is in the process of changing his international allegiance to the Jamaican national team under Steve McClaren despite already representing England at senior level

Jamaica boss Steve McClaren has already offered his verdict on Mason Greenwood – with the Marseille forward giving up hopes on an England recall.

The ex-Manchester United striker, who has already played for the Three Lions once against Iceland in 2020, has switched his allegiance to the Reggae Boyz. The Football Association made clear that Greenwood would not be considered for selection for England.

Greenwood was suspended by Manchester United when he was charged with attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and controlling and coercive behaviour in 2022. The 23-year-old denied the charges, which were subsequently dropped, but still found himself outside of the Red Devils’ plans and eventually joined Marseille, following a season on loan at Getafe, last summer.

McClaren has been open about his desire to see Greenwood play for Jamaica, however. The ex-Middlesbrough boss has spoken about his empathy over the Marseille ace’s position, and the players’ desire to join up with his national team.

“I’ve heard a lot of publicity about and always around Mason Greenwood,” McClaren told media in November. “I am constantly in touch with Mason, the message is always the same, ‘when the time is right’.

“You’ve got to think he’s had a traumatic time the last two years in his contract, and he’s been on loan. He’s been here, he’s been there – the publicity, and I think he just wants to settle in at Marseille and enjoy his football, which he’s doing, and he wants to join the Reggae Boyz. I know that, every time I speak to him, I’ve no reason to doubt that, and the process goes on.”

Leading lights at St George’s Park have acknowledged that selecting Greenwood would be a risk due to the negative publicity it would generate, according to the Daily Star. He qualifies for the Caribbean nation through his father, who was born in Jamaica, and has now completed the necessary paperwork.

McClaren revealed last year that he was hopeful that Greenwood could be in his squad in time for the March international break. With the forward’s latest move, that is now looking more plausible.

“I didn’t expect it to be, once you missed the first camp, any of these camps, but I’m hoping by March time we will have made progress on everything,” he added. “As I said, our whole project and process is about World Cup qualification, and that’s still, I know, on the horizon, but it’s still something that we’re thinking about now and planning for in the long term. So Mason, we keep an eye on and keep you posted on that.”

The official programme cover for Manchester United v Rangers has been revealed, and it is paying tribute to ‘The King’, Denis Law. As well as the cover, there will be special features inside dedicated to the Manchester United and Scotland legend. Copies will be available at Old Trafford on matchday or online .