Reggae Boyz Squad Split Over Potential Greenwood Call-Up for World Cup Play-offs

Despite his form for Marseille, the winger has not been considered for England selection, according to The Athletic, while a potential Jamaica call-up has sparked mixed reactions among Reggae Boyz players

Mason Greenwood during his outstanding season in Marseille (Photo: Getty Images)

Despite his outstanding season so far, Mason Greenwood has not been considered for England selection by head coach Thomas Tuchel, even with the forward’s impressive form for Marseille.

The Ligue 1 joint-leading scorer, Greenwood has netted 10 goals in 12 matches this season, sparking speculation in England that Tuchel might revisit his stance. However, that does not appear to be the case.

The former Manchester United prospect, who has one England cap, switched international allegiance to Jamaica earlier this year and received his Jamaican passport in August, officially opening the door to represent the nation of his grandparents.

While the 24-year-old declined a call-up for World Cup qualifiers against Trinidad & Tobago and Bermuda in September, keeping his international future open, JFF president Michael Ricketts told The Athletic he still hopes Greenwood will represent the Reggae Boyz before the World Cup. Ricketts confirmed that the forward remains an option for the March World Cup play-offs, where Jamaica will face New Caledonia, and potentially DR Congo if they advance.

However, his possible inclusion has generated mixed reactions within the squad. Speaking to The Athletic, midfielder Isaac Hayden said players who “did not commit during qualifying” should not walk straight into a World Cup squad. Defender Amari’i Bell has expressed similar sentiments.

“I've only played for Jamaica for a year, and there was some resistance to me when I started, but I’ve played 12 games and everyone can see my passion and how I play the game. I give everything on the pitch, and I wanted to be there to help Jamaica progress to the World Cup,” Hayden told The Athletic.

Greenwood was arrested in January 2022 on suspicion of rape and assault after visual and audio evidence circulated online, leading to his immediate suspension by Manchester United. He was later charged with attempted rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and controlling or coercive behaviour. In February 2023, the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the case after key witnesses withdrew and new material made a conviction unlikely.

Greenwood denied all allegations and completed a move to Marseille in the summer of 2024. However, many in England remain unwilling to see him return to the national setup, according to recent reports.