Gareth Southgate has tipped Mason Greenwood to having a successful international career, but he has been left out of the England squad for the World Cup qualifiers in September to focus on club duties.
The teenager was under consideration for a Three Lions recall for the games against Hungary, Andorra and Poland having scored in both of Manchester United's opening Premier League games.
But he will remain at Carrington instead as England treat Greenwood's progress with caution. The 19-year-old was in the 33-man provisional squad for the European Championship in the summer before withdrawing to rest an injury he'd struggled with since March.
He's hit the ground running this season, scoring for United against Leeds and Southampton and playing as a centre forward on the opening day before moving to the right on Sunday at St Mary's.
Greenwood still has only one cap for England, earned against Iceland a year ago, but Southgate expects him to have a long England career when he does break back into the senior squad.
Southgate has spoken to Greenwood and figures at United to discuss how best to handle his progress and although he warranted a place in this squad, it was decided it was best for him to rest.
"He is in our thoughts, I've spoken with him and with his club. He’s a player we really like and we think he’s got every possibility to be a top England player," said Southgate.
"We’re all very conscious we make that progression at the right time. He’s just breaking into the team at Manchester United with a lot of responsibility, that's a big thing for a young player to deal with.
"We’re all aligned on that, Mason, his club, his family, us, we feel at the moment the best thing for him is that he stays with his club, but he’s a player we like and it’s clear on his performances he warrants being in the squad."
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