Gary Lineker speaks on Mason Greenwood with feelings clear about England return | Football | Sport

Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer are in agreement that Mason Greenwood should abandon any hopes of an England comeback. The former Manchester United striker bagged a brace in Marseille’s recent victory over Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League. He has been in scintillating form this season, leading to speculation that he could earn an England recall ahead of next summer’s World Cup.

Last year, reports suggested that Greenwood was hopeful of returning to the England fold, having rejected an approach from the Jamaica national team. Three months earlier, he’d secured Jamaican citizenship and a passport, but his snub of the Reggae Boyz suggests he continues to harbour Three Lions aspirations. England manager Thomas Tuchel has already stated categorically that Greenwood will not feature in his plans.

Analysing the situation, Lineker and Shearer believe the right course of action for Greenwood is to continue his career abroad and represent Jamaica.

Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Lineker said: “I want to talk about Mason Greenwood. He’s been doing brilliantly since. I know there’s a lot of controversy around him and he had that awfulness of his situation.

“He’s gone abroad and he’s performing, as he did last season, but this season at Marseille he’s performing really well. Another two goals yesterday, excellent finishes.

“I think he’s decided he is not going to try and play for England and that he is going to play for Jamaica, which is another option for him.

“Do you think that makes sense? It would be difficult for him here wouldn’t it?”

Shearer responded: “I think it was the right decision for him to go to another country. He had to settle down and just try and go out and play football.

“I don’t think anybody ever questioned his ability. He was a very good football player with a lot of talent. I think we all knew that.”

Greenwood’s international career with England amounted to just a single cap, which came in 2020 during a Nations League match against Iceland.

During that same international window, he and Phil Foden faced disciplinary action and were sent home after both players allegedly breached Covid-19 protocols by inviting two women to a separate section of the England team hotel.

The pair were forced to issue apologies, with then-England manager Gareth Southgate describing their behaviour as “naive.” Although Greenwood was named in the Euro 2020 squad, an injury sustained just before the tournament prevented him from participating.

This season, Greenwood has found the net 13 times and contributed four assists in 20 outings across all competitions for Marseille.

He recently conducted his first interview since departing United, during which he heaped praise on his manager Roberto De Zerbi, the former Brighton and Hove Albion boss who now leads Marseille.

Speaking to Telefoot, Greenwood said: “I’m in a really good place thanks to the coach and my team-mates. I feel good and I hope to improve, to win more awards this season.

“Roberto De Zerbi? He’s the brains of the team, the architect of our game. He helps me understand football much better, he helps me improve every day.”