Mason Greenwood files paperwork to 'switch international allegiance'

The former Manchester United forward's decision comes after the FA made it clear he wouldn't be considered for selection again, having made one Three Lions appearance in September 2020.

Greenwood was notified of his permanent exclusion from the national team following his suspension from football three years ago.

In January 2022, he was charged with attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and controlling and coercive behaviour.

The current Marseille player denied all charges, which were dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February 2023.

This led to Greenwood's eventual departure from Old Trafford in the following summer.

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He has since revived his career, first at Getafe, and now in Ligue 1.

Despite this, the 23-year-old was told he would not be picked for England in the future, with the FA citing concerns over the adverse publicity it would generate.

And Greenwood has now turned to Jamaica, with the forward completing the necessary paperwork to be considered for selection.

He qualifies for the Caibbean nation through his father, and is now able to switch allegiances under FIFA rules despite his previous appearance for the Three Lions.

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According to eligibility rules, players who have featured in no more than three competitive matches before turning 21 are able to change nationalities.

This applies to Greenwood, who was aged 18 at the time of his international debut against Iceland in the Nations League.

Speculation that the attacker was set to join the Reggae Boyz has been rife for some time now.

In March last year, former national team head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson revealed he had discussed the possibility with Greenwood, and claimed he would be welcomed into his team.

Rumours of a potential call-up intensified after the appointment of former Man United assistant Steve McClaren as Jamaica boss in July 2024.

At his unveiling, McClaren revealed he had also previously spoken with Greenwood about the matter, and then confirmed in November that he had pledged his allegiance to Jamaica.

The former England manager said: "I've heard a lot of publicity about and always around Mason Greenwood.

"I am constantly in touch with Mason, the message is always the same: 'When the time is right'.

"You've got to think he's had a traumatic time the last two years in his contract, and he's been on loan.

"He's been here, he's been there - the publicity, and I think he just wants to settle in at Marseille and enjoy his football, which he's doing, and he wants to join the Reggae Boyz. I know that, every time I speak to him, I've no reason to doubt that, and the process goes on."

McClaren also revealed he had hoped for Greenwood to be available for selection by March of this year.

And though the former Red Devils man is now eligible to represent Jamaica, he will will have to wait to make his second international debut.

Marseille are reportedly unwilling to release Greenwood for the national team's two games next month, because they are friendlies.

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He is expected to be named in McClaren's squad for the first time in June, when the Reggae Boyz have two World Cup qualifiers.

Since joining the French side in July 2024, Greenwood has made 20 appearances in all competitions, scoring 13 goals, 12 of which have come in the league.