Gareth Southgate gives England challenge Mason Greenwood after debut call-up
Gareth Southgate has encouraged Mason Greenwood to break into England’s Euro 2021 squad after rewarding him with his first senior call-up.
Greenwood, 18, played a crucial role in helping Manchester United finish inside the top four, and that form has not gone unnoticed by Southgate. It marks a somewhat experimental selection by the Three Lions manager, with Phil Foden and Kalvin Phillips also earning nods for the senior side.
Still, Southgate has thrown down the challenge to Greenwood to make his selection a regular occurrence.
He told England's in-house media: "Obviously they've been involved with England in the junior teams so for them they're used to coming here, used to being part of an England team. This is a step up for them but they're both more than capable.
"They've shown playing in big matches, big clubs that they're talented boys. Both hugely exciting players. I think they'll be part of England's future. This is up to them in the end. We give them the opportunity for them to go and take it forward.
"We're a year away from the European Championship, let's see if they can start to break into that team, that squad. And it gives us great competition for places, they're realistic challengers."
Nico Gaitan explains real reason he never signed for Manchester United
Nico Gaitan has lifted the lid on why he never joined Manchester United.
The former Benfica winger was long linked with a move to Old Trafford, but a deal never came to fruition. He has since had spells in Major League Soccer, China and France, and is now back in Portugal with Braga.
Speaking on his aborted attempt to join United, he told Record, via SportWitness,
“Once it was because of the work permit. I had no European citizenship and wasn’t a national team player. I used to be called up, but I didn’t play and it was necessary to fulfil a number of games. It didn’t meet these requirements and it wasn’t possible. But if it didn’t happen, it was for some reason.
“What is certain is that I never asked to leave Benfica. Neither at Boca Juniors. I never asked to leave, nor did I kick the door to apply pressure to leave. I always let my agent handle it. He’d speak and I’d just give my point of view, without ever putting pressure.”
Former Manchester United youngster thanks three people after transfer
Former Manchester United midfielder Ethan Hamilton has pointed to the three influential coaches behind his Old Trafford career.
Hamilton was on the end of bad news recently when he was released by United, but has now signed for Peterborough United on a two-year deal. Reflecting on his time at the club, he named Ricky Sbragia, Warren Joyce and Paul McGuinness as three influential figures during his time at the club.
“The youth coaches at United helped me a lot," the Scottish-born midfield told the Edinburgh News. "Guys like Ricky Sbragia, Warren Joyce, Paul McGuinness – I could list so many influences. You try to take little bits from everyone at a club like that and hopefully that’s what I’ve done.
"I’m lucky to have been at a club like that.”
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