Mason Greenwood’s international future is up in the air. (Image: Getty)
Jamaica are one win away from qualifying for this summer’s World Cup, but it remains unclear whether coach Mason Greenwood will be watching from a distance. They will face the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday night (10pm) after defeating New Caledonia in the semi-finals.
Ever since reports emerged that he had obtained a passport in September last year, much attention has been focused on whether the former Manchester United striker will eventually represent Jamaica. He was expected to join the team for the first time in the World Cup qualifiers against Trinidad and Tobago and Bermuda.
Despite this, Futto Mercato claimed that he had not yet submitted the necessary squad changes for the Jamaican national team and had not consented to being called up for these matches.
Here, Express Sport looks at the latest developments surrounding Greenwood and whether there is any real chance he could feature for the Jamaican national team.
Jamaica national team head coach Rudolph Speed said Greenwood had not yet decided on his future with the national team.
Comments from the President of Jamaica
Last November, Jamaica Football Association president Michael Ricketts said the federation wanted to include him in the 2026 World Cup play-off campaign. But several months later, nothing has changed.
“Initially, he seemed happy that the paperwork was finally in place,” Ricketts said. “When we sent it to him and asked for his opinion, he said it was his family’s decision not to attend at this time.”
Former Jamaican head coach Steve McLaren admitted he expected Greenwood to join the national team in September. “We have obtained a passport and we were hoping that he would come to this camp, but in conversations with his family, we are not making any commitments to anyone at this time,” he said ahead of the U-turn.
“It’s a little disappointing because he’s taking his time. Maybe we’ll have to be more patient, but we’ll keep in touch and continue to pursue him because we know from conversations with Mason and his family that he loves Jamaica and respects Jamaica.”
“He wants to concentrate on club football and not be part of the national team at the moment. We have to respect whatever efforts we have made to bring him to camp. So the future is anyone’s guess.”
“Difference of opinion” among senior athletes
Former Newcastle midfielder Isaac Hayden said he “doesn’t see why” Greenwood and other players who previously avoided qualification should now be allowed to join the national team.
“I only played for Jamaica for one year and there was some resistance when I first started, but I’ve played 12 games and everyone can see my passion and the way I play,” Hayden said. “I wanted to give everything on the pitch and be there to help Jamaica reach the World Cup.
Steve McLaren was in charge while Jamaica pursued Mason Greenwood. (Image: Getty Images)
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“They want to have the best team on the pitch, but I said to the JFF: ‘If players are not going to play in the final round of qualifying unless they are injured, I don’t see why they need to be in the group in March or even at the end of the season if we qualify.’ That can’t be allowed.”
Hayden went on to argue that a delay in Greenwood’s arrival would damage the team’s credibility. “The quality of the players, the numbers, what he is producing is at the highest level,” he admitted.
“But it’s a matter of principle and integrity. If the players could just get excited for the World Cup, it would all become a farce. That would say a lot about the players and the organization that let it happen.”
Defender Amali’i Bell echoed Hayden’s sentiments, saying, “Many of us have spent years playing for our country with blood, sweat and tears, and there’s been a lot of things that have happened in the background. We’ve had to deal with all of that.
“For the people who go through that whole process and never get the chance to play in the World Cup again, it would seem unfair. It’s a bit controversial.”
He also suggested that the team needs to collectively consult before welcoming newcomers. “Absolutely, especially during the World Cup,” he declared. “You want a good atmosphere and good energy around the team. You don’t want to put distance between any of the players.”
Former players’ return ‘welcome’
Meanwhile, former Jamaica international Frank Sinclair has expressed his desire for Greenwood to represent the Reggae Boyz.
“I myself was in a situation where I decided to play for Jamaica when Jamaica qualified for the 1998 World Cup. At that time I was invited to play. I was not asked to play during the qualification period, but in the end I would make the decision to do my best if Jamaica qualified for the World Cup.”
“They may have the opportunity to scout him once they get there, but there’s still a lot of work to do to get there. From a purely footballing point of view, the answer is clear: Yes, absolutely (Jamaica needs Greenwood back).”
“His footballing qualities will greatly strengthen the Jamaican team. But it goes beyond that. Many people do not share the same opinion about him as a person.
“It all depends on whether Jamaica wants to create a culture within the national team. It’s a difficult question. From a purely footballing point of view, of course you would want to have Mason Greenwood in the team. At the same time, there are things in the world that are more important than football, so it’s a difficult question to answer. The country, the players and the staff have to accept and support him 100 percent, because a lot of people will try to sabotage him.”
“This is not just a matter of dual citizenship. Now I get to play for Jamaica. Representing Jamaica means so much more than that.”
‘I’m obsessed with representing England again.’
The Mirror previously reported that the player was “obsessed” with representing England again, but manager Thomas Tuchel admitted in September that the player was off the radar.
At the time, the head coach admitted: “I haven’t talked to him so far. I haven’t talked to him or his camp. My understanding is that he’s trying to play for Jamaica, so we didn’t think about it. He’s not in the squad at the moment and he’s not thinking about our team.”
