Ahead of England's official announcement of their 26-man Euro squad, Manchester United youth shot-stopper Mason Greenwood released an early statement announcing his withdrawal from the national team for the tournament. The UK's Daily Mail revealed that this was because the Greenwood king felt he was now exhausted (utterly exhausted) after the Manchester United contest and could not continue to compete.
It was reported that Greenwood informed the coach that he was out of energy when he was substituted back in United's 1-1 Premier League draw with Fulham. In the month of March, Greenwood scored eight goals for United, but he never actually recovered from his injury. This lingering injury had made him choose to pass up the opportunity to compete for the England Under-21 national youth on the previous international day.
Daily Mail disclosed that Greenwood's injured part is the groin, in order to be able to recover before the new season, he chose to give up on behalf of the England team to play the timing of the European Cup. After all, Greenwood is only 19 years old, the future there are many opportunities to fight to participate in international competitions, and, England forward line with Harry Kane, Sterling, Sancho, Rashford, Llewellyn, etc., Manchester United, the small king of the field may not be high. Instead of acting as a water cooler keeper on the sidelines, he should just become a spectator and rest.
The Athletic is reporting that Greenwood's fitness was a problem towards the end of the season, and that he has comfortably informed the United coach that he is no longer able to play. United told England that Greenwood was unavailable as early as two days after the UEFA Cup final defeat to Villarreal. He was substituted after 100 minutes in the Villarreal match.
Southgate also confirmed after announcing the Europa League roster: we have known for the past few days that Mason (Greenwood) was not a contender for the position, although at that time the list of 26 had not yet been finalized. It's unfortunate that Mason missed out on this tournament, and even though he's still young, moments like this don't come around very often. We know what an exciting player he is, but we can't pick him.
Greenwood has only scored 12 goals for United this season, down from 17 last season, but he thought his all-round play had improved and improved his defensive awareness.
Greenwood said: I thought I did better than last season, even when I didn't score I still thought I played well, or at least not badly. The final figures may not be perfect, they improved towards the end of the season, but, overall, I think I played much better than last year. My goals and assists are down, but in my opinion, and maybe that of my teammates around me, I'm more of a team player now.
