Mason Greenwood 'wants to speak with Thomas Tuchel' over return to England

Mason Greenwood is reportedly seeking talks with new England manager Thomas Tuchel over his international future. Last week, it was confirmed the German boss would succeed Gareth Southgate on an 18-month deal, and will start his new role on January 1.

Deciding on whether he’ll consider Greenwood for a recall could now be one of Tuchel’s first criticial decisions in charge.

Following his £26million switch from Manchester United in the summer, the striker has scored five times in seven Ligue 1 games, including a brace on his debut against Brest.

According to the Sun, Greenwood wants immediate talks with Tuchel in order to clarify where he stands in terms of selection. If he’s snubbed by the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich man, then he’s set to switch his international allegiance.

Greenwood is also eligible to represent Jamaica, and has already received an offer from manager Steve McLaren to play a part in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. And the report quoted a friend of the forward, who claimed the player was already preparing to link up with McLaren and co.

“Mason knows his chances of playing for England again are very slim,” they said. “But he wants to check with the FA and Tuchel now he has been appointed, to see what they think.

“He is determined to play at the highest level and that means the World Cup. So if England don’t want him, he’ll switch to Jamaica and try and get to the 2026 World Cup that way.”

It had been made clear to Greenwood that he would be considered for the Three Lions while Southgate remained in charge. His only previous cap came under the same manager in September 2020, when he made a substitute appearance in a Nations League game in Iceland.

However, along with Phil Foden, he was removed from the camp two days later after allegedly breaking Covid-19 regulations. His career was then derailed in February 2022 after being arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and threatening behaviour.

The charges were later dropped, but he came to a mutual agreement with United that he would leave Old Trafford, and spent last season at Getafe on loan. Greenwood scored 10 times in 36 games for the La Liga club, but it was Marseille who swooped for a permanent deal in the summer transfer window.

Tuchel, and the FA, will be aware that any recall for the ex-under 21 international will court controversy. Following his move to France, Marseille fans held protests outside the club’s ground, with city mayor Benoit Payan also criticising the transfer.