Greenwood’s in Euro reckoning
GARETH SOUTHGATE could be set for a clash with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer over Mason Greenwood.
Earlier this week, the Manchester United manager declared that it was too early to talk about the promising 18-year-old as a potential senior England international.
Solskjaer called for Greenwood to be given time to ‘settle in first before we talk about England and the Euros’.
However, Sportsmail understands that the young striker is firmly on Southgate’s radar, and that the England manager’s admiration has been made clear to the United youngster.
Southgate is facing a selection dilemma with his strikers ahead of the tournament, his options looking limited.
Harry Kane faces a race to be fit and Jamie Vardy has retired from international football, while the struggles of Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson are causing significant concern. The form of Tammy Abraham is a plus, while Danny Ings and Dominic CalvertLewin have impressed for Southampton and Everton respectively.
Greenwood (right) has already scored nine goals for United this season — and a source believes that should he continue to gain first-team experience between now and the end of the campaign, he will be in the England squad. ‘Gareth likes Mason and has made his feelings clear,’ they said. ‘He is a strong candidate to make the squad. Callum Hudson-Odoi was selected before he had even played a Premier League match for Chelsea — Mason has already played 20 times. They like everything about him, his technique, the lack of backlift when he strikes the ball. ‘They are very keen and if he continues to get games and goals, it is hard to see him not making the cut.’ Speaking ahead of last night’s FA Cup clash with Wolves, Solskjaer urged caution over the homegrown youngster, who has played for England Under 21s. ‘His focus has to be on playing more for us, improving and when he plays more for us that’ll happen by itself,’ Solskjaer said. ‘He’s just been picked for the Under 21s, so he’s focusing on his football.’