MX23RW : Monday, November 25 05:00:53| >> :120:29189:29189:

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:collect4786:

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
1Liverpool1210112481631
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
10Fulham125341717018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd124441313016
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Ipswich TownIpswich121651323-109
19Crystal Palace121561017-78
20Southampton121110924-154


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!