Manchester United winger Mason Greenwood asked not to be considered for selection for the England squad until 2022, manager Gareth Soutgate revealed on Friday.
In a year where he is has been struggling with form and off-pitch issues have hindered Greenwood’s progress though recent performances in Manchester United’s colours could have tempted Southgate to include him in the squad for the World Cup qualifiers.
Greenwood made his England debut in September last year against Iceland before being sent home along with Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden for breaching COVID-19 protocols.
The 20-year-old forward, who missed the European Championship due to injury, has already scored four times for United this season and questions were asked over his absence from upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and San Marino next week.
"We had a discussion before the camp in September and we came to an agreement. (FA technical director) John McDermott and myself went to United and had a good chat with Mason and his family," Southgate told reporters.
"We agreed we would park this until next year, basically. We would leave the autumn games. If he establishes himself in Manchester United's team, then he is going to be very close to an England squad or an England team, so he recognises that.
"He wants to play for England, he's clear about that. We are not not picking Mason because we don't think he's good enough or we're not happy with what he requested.
"We are totally understanding of that and we are happy to wait."