If Mason Greenwood was disappointed to drop down from England’s senior squad to the under-21s, then hearing coach Aidy Boothroyd sing his praises should encourage him.
This is Greenwood’s first time back in the international set up at any level since his ill-fated stint with the senior team last September when he was sent home from Iceland for breaking Covid protocols.
Greenwood has not been as productive in front of goal this season and so a call into the England under-21 side is probably, on balance, where he needs to be right now.
Boothroyd is a big fan and told the FA website he feels Greenwood will benefit from the call-up.
He said: “Mason’s a massive talent, an outstanding player. It’s an opportunity for him to get some games with us
“He’s got some great experiences already with his club, playing in the Champions League and the Europa League. He’s getting plenty of opportunities, but we felt it was the right thing for him to come with us.
“He can play in multiple positions, which is what this squad is really.”
Greenwood is finding form even if the goals aren’t quite there yet.
Against West Ham he hit the woodwork twice, and was unlucky not to have an assist when Marcus Rashford headed his cross wide.
Greenwood is still only 19 and his development has been so rapid that he has missed out on international tournament football as he has skipped right past it.
That’s what’s on offer next week, with the matches far from being meaningless friendlies.
Greenwood could be involved in all three European Championships group stage games, with the tournament taking place in two parts.
England are hoping to get to the knockout stages, which will take place in the summer.
Boothroyd added: “[He’s] a player we believe needs some time in terms of a tournament so he can, hopefully in years to come, play in the senior team and be a bit more aware of what playing in a tournament is.”
The good news from the way the tournament is laid out is that these games mean something, and that the summer involvement is shorter.
Ultimately Greenwood needs a rest so United get him back looking sharp for the start of next season.
He is looking a lot sharper over the past few weeks, even if the goals have not followed. It’s possible a few goals for England’s under-21s helps with his confidence and sets up a strong end to this season for United.
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