Mason Greenwood and England: it’s complicated. When it comes to his ability, opinions at St George’s Park are unanimous. He is the obvious heir to Harry Kane’s No 9 shirt, a generational talent.
That scenario is a world away now, of course. Greenwood the footballer, superb. Greenwood the man, now that’s where things are problematic.
The forward’s journey through the England ranks was riddled with concerns over immaturity. There was always a feeling he required greater attention than other players.
In the autumn of 2021, head coach Gareth Southgate and technical director John McDermott booked an appointment to see Greenwood, members of his family and Manchester United officials amid plans to reintegrate him into the senior squad.