Mueez Ajao
Mason Greenwood has withdrawn from England’s provisional Euro 2020 squad due to an underlying injury
– The forward has made the decision to pull out from Gareth Southgate’s provisional squad to recover from injury.
– Greenwood had been selected by Gareth Southgate in a provisional 33-man squad for the upcoming tournament, but there had been doubt over whether he would remain in a final 26-player group that is set to be confirmed later on Tuesday.
– Although neither club nor country confirmed the nature of the injury, the issue is understood to be with the 19-year-old’s groin.
– Greenwood made his international debut in September last year in Iceland, but was sent home following the match after breaching team protocols along with Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden, and has yet to make an appearance since.
– However, after selecting Greenwood in his provisional squad, Southgate had said the incident was “absolutely” in the past and that he had “moved on” from it.
– A statement from Manchester United said the decision had been made to allow him to ‘fully recover from an underlying injury.’
– What was said: “Mason’s club appearances were managed carefully to maintain his availability through the intensive 2020-21 Premier League and Europa League schedules.
– “But a further spell of tournament football would not be beneficial and Mason will remain at Manchester United to recuperate and prepare for pre-season training.”
– Greenwood’s call-up last week was his first to the senior England squad since he was sent home for breaking Covid-19 rules in Iceland last September.
– His patchy form at the start of the campaign saw him struggle for goals but he scored six in his last eight league appearances and was one of United’s best players in the final few weeks of the season.
– His improved form led to his inclusion in the provisional squad and many pundits believed he deserved to be in the final squad.
– “You look at Mason’s ability and you think the growth he’s got in his game… if you give him the opportunity to come here and get the experience you think what that would do for him in future tournaments even if he doesn’t get on,” former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand told Goal.
