MX23RW : Friday, March 22 01:02:18| >> :120:6104:6104:

Gareth Southgate opens door to future England return for Mason Greenwood

Southgate opens door to future England return for Greenwood
© Reuters
England manager Gareth Southgate refuses to rule out a return to the national team for Manchester United's Mason Greenwood.

England head coach Gareth Southgate has refused to rule out a return to the national team for Mason Greenwood at some stage in the future.

The 22-year-old's only cap for the Three Lions came against Iceland in late 2020, but he withdrew from the squad after the match, having broken COVID-19 quarantine guidelines alongside Phil Foden.

Following accusations from a woman, Greenwood was arrested two years ago on suspicion of rape and assault, and he was then further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and threats to kill.

The Englishman was also facing charges of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, but the case against him was dropped last February, with his last appearance for Manchester United coming in January 2022.

The forward is currently attempting to rebuild his career on loan at Getafe, and he has been in strong form for the Spanish club this season, scoring eight goals and registering five assists in 26 appearances.

Mason Greenwood in action for Manchester United on January 19, 2022© Reuters

Greenwood is set to return to Man United this summer, and the club's new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe has hinted that he could potentially continue his career at Old Trafford.

However, it is still thought to be likely that the attacker will depart on a permanent basis this summer, with Atletico Madrid being linked with a move.

Southgate has ruled out Greenwood being involved in Euro 2024, but the England head coach has opened the door for the forward to potentially return to the set-up in the future.

"Well for me I don't think it's something for pre-Euros. I think allowing him to get his career going again abroad appears to have been a good move but I have to say I have not tracked it closely," Southgate told reporters.

Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood pictured in July 2021© Reuters

"I think at this moment in time it would be a big distraction for the team and let's see where that leads next season. I would need to know more details about the whole thing before it was an option."

The forward has scored 35 goals and registered 12 assists in 129 matches for his parent club in all competitions, and he was regarded as one of the best youngsters in world football before his arrest.

Man United are believed to have made the decision to bring him back into their squad last summer before changing their mind due to the public backlash.

The 20-time English champions would allegedly want around £40m for Greenwood this summer, and it is understood that Barcelona are not in the running for his signature despite the recent speculation.

ID:539174:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5611:

Click here for more stories about Gareth Southgate

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Manchester United's Mason Greenwood celebrates scoring against Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 29, 2021
Read Next:
Atletico Madrid 'remain interested in Mason Greenwood'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal28204470244664
2Liverpool28197265263964
3Manchester CityMan City28196363283563
4Aston Villa29175760421856
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs28165759421753
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd28152113939047
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham2912894650-444
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2811985044642
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28125114244-241
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle281241259481140
11Chelsea27116104745239
12Fulham29115134344-138
13Bournemouth2898114152-1135
14Crystal Palace2878133348-1529
15Brentford2975174154-1326
16Everton2887132939-1025
17Luton TownLuton2957174260-1822
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2967163551-1621
19Burnley2945202963-3417
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2835202474-5014


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!