Mason Greenwood could yet feature at the World Cup if he decides to switch his international allegiance to England.
Jamaica are just one victory away from securing their place at this summer’s World Cup, but what about Mason Greenwood? It remains to be seen. They will face DR Congo on Tuesday night (10pm) after their semi-final victory over New Caledonia.
There has been much debate over whether the former Manchester United striker will represent Jamaica after reports emerged that he had obtained his passport last September. Expectations were high that he would link up with the squad for the first time during the World Cup qualifiers against Trinidad and Tobago and Bermuda.
Still, ESPN reported (via Fit Mercato) that he had not yet completed the change of association form required to represent Jamaica and declined the call-up. The national team had anticipated that he would participate in a training camp for these fixtures.
Here, the Manchester Evening News examines the latest developments regarding Greenwood and whether there is a real possibility for him to make the Jamaican national team.
Greenwood’s position
According to Jamaican head coach Rudolph Speed, Greenwood has yet to make a decision on its international future. Greenwood is considering whether to switch allegiances and is clearly keeping his options open.
However, it has been reported that he has ambitions to play for England again one day.
Comments from the President of Jamaica
Last November, Jamaican FA president Michael Ricketts revealed that the federation hoped to have him available for the 2026 World Cup play-off campaign. Despite the passage of months, the situation remains the same.
Mason Greenwood is in form for Marseille.
“Initially, he seemed happy that his paperwork was finally in order,” Ricketts said. “When we sent him and I asked for his opinion, he told me it was the family’s decision not to make himself available at that time.”
‘He was expected to join.’
Former Jamaican head coach Steve McClaren admitted he expected Greenwood to join the national team in September. “We had obtained the passport, and we expected him to come to this camp,” he said at the time. “In discussions with his family, he will not commit to anyone at this time.”
Steve McClaren had expected Greenwood to rejoin Jamaica in September before leaving his role. (Photo: Getty Images)
“He’s taking his time on this matter, so it’s a little disappointing. We’ll probably have to be more patient, but we’ll keep in touch; we’ll keep pursuing him because, as I know from my conversations with Mason and his family, he loves and respects Jamaica.
“He wants to focus on club football and not be involved with an international team at the moment. We have to respect how hard we’ve worked to get him here for these camps. So who knows in the future.”
Anger of senior players
Former Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden said he ‘can’t see why’ Greenwood, or any player who previously missed qualifying fixtures, should now be allowed to link up with the national team.
‘I’ve only played for Jamaica for one year, and when I started, there was some resistance, but I’ve played 12 games, and everyone can see my passion and the way I play the game,’ Hayden said last year. “I give everything on the pitch, and I wanted to be there to help Jamaica advance to the World Cup.
“They want to have the best team on the pitch, but I said to the JFF: ‘If a player is not ready to commit to the last round of qualifying, unless he is injured, I don’t see why he should be in the group in March or at the end of the season if we qualify.’ There is no way such a scenario is allowed to happen.
Hayden went further, arguing that Greenwood’s late addition to the squad would compromise the team’s values and integrity. “The quality of the player, his numbers, and what he is producing are of the highest level,” he admitted.
Isaac Hayden has made his views clear on Greenwood’s possible inclusion in the squad ahead of the World Cup. (Photo: Getty Images)
However, it ultimately hinges on principles and integrity. If players can be swayed solely by the World Cup, it undermines the entire process. It says a lot about the player and the organisation that allows it.”
Defender Amari Bell expressed similar concerns, stating, “Many of us have dedicated years of hard work and effort to represent our nation, despite numerous challenges behind the scenes. We’ve had to deal with it all.
“It wouldn’t be fair to people who have gone through this process and will never get a chance to play in a World Cup. It’s a bit controversial.”
He further suggested that the squad would need a collective discussion before welcoming any new additions. “Definitely, especially when it’s the World Cup. You don’t want any distance between any of the players.”
Welcome back
Meanwhile, former Jamaican international Frank Sinclair has expressed interest in seeing Greenwood turn out for the Reggae Boys. He said, “I was in that situation myself when I decided to play for Jamaica when they qualified for the 1998 World Cup. That’s when I was asked to play. Jamaica will decide how to perform best if they qualify for the World Cup, and I wasn’t asked to play during the qualifiers.
“They may have a chance to recruit him once he gets there, but they still have a lot of work to do to get there. From a pure football perspective, the answer is clear: yes, absolutely. [Jamaica needs Greenwood back]. His football skills will significantly strengthen the Jamaican team. But it goes beyond that. Many people do not share the same opinion about him as a person.”
“It all depends on what Jamaica wants to do to create a culture within the national team. That’s a tough question. From a purely football perspective, yes, of course, you want Mason Greenwood in your team. There are also things in the world that are more important than football, and that’s a tough question to answer.
The nation, players, and staff must accept and support it 100 per cent, as many will attempt to sabotage it. It’s not just a case of dual citizenship; now you can play for Jamaica. Representing Jamaica is much more involved.”
‘Frenzy to represent England again’
It was previously reported that the Marseille forward was ‘obsessed’ with pulling on the England shirt again, but Thomas Tuchel confirmed in September that the player was not high on his mind.
At the time, the head coach said: “I haven’t spoken to him yet. I haven’t spoken to him or his camp. My understanding is that he tries to play for Jamaica so we haven’t given him any other consideration. He’s not in the mix at the moment, and he’s not in our thoughts for our team.”
Whether Greenwood will be impressed if they seal their place at the World Cup with a win this evening is uncertain – but it would certainly put them in a strong position to persuade them to switch allegiances.
