The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Mawson turns down Scotland approach
Scotland have failed in a bid to persuade England Under-21 defender Alfie Mawson to switch his international allegiance.
The Scottish FA had become aware of the Swansea City central defender’s eligibility and even dispatched national team scout Steven Pressley to have a look at the 23-year-old in action.
But, after making inquires into whether London-born Mawson would be interested in being considered for Gordon Strachan’s squad, the former Barnsley captain told Scotland that he wanted to focus on earning a full England call-up.
The 6ft 2in stopper has made 26 appearances for the Swans this season after making a £5.5 million switch last summer.
A dearth of high-quality centreback options has left Scotland casting their net far and wide in search of suitable candidates but Mawson has turned down the opportunity to change his allegiance for now.
Mawson made his England under-21 debut against France last November and is hoping to add to his solitary cap in tonight’s clash in Germany, with Aidy Boothroyd’s side taking on Denmark three days later.
Mawson said: “It’s been a rollercoaster of a year, so just to be in the Premier League and representing my country, it’s mental for me.
“It’s good to be called up again and it’s a proud moment. It was brilliant last year, it was the first time for me and a very good experience for myself.”