The England manager announced a preliminary selection of 33 players last week, with that number being reduced to 26 on June 1 ahead of the tournament kicking off on June 11.
Shearer would personally take Greenwood in the squad
Alan Shearer and Rio Ferdinand have recommended Gareth Southgate to include Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood in his final team for Euro 2020. The England manager announced a preliminary selection of 33 players last week, with that number being reduced to 26 on June 1 ahead of the tournament kicking off on June 11. Greenwood has been included in the 33 but has not been selected to the senior England team since he was sent home from the camp in September 2020 after breaking Covid-19 rules in Iceland. When asked which forwards Shearer would include on his list, he told reporters before Greenwood pulling out of the provisional squad on June 1 due to an underlying injury. “I would personally take Greenwood, in case we want and need a goal, and struggling for that.”
If you need a goal late on then Mason would be a great option
“That would be my pool of forwards. We have got options in that position. There is Ollie Watkins too. You can’t take them all; someone has to miss out.” With so many attacking talent at Southgate’s disposal, it will be a tough decision for the England manager, although Shearer explained why he thinks Greenwood would be a worthy wildcard. “I would have him in, he probably wouldn’t have started the first couple of games, but if you need a goal late on, then he would be a great option to throw on,” Shearer added. “Having those three extra places in the squad might help someone like Greenwood get into the squad.”
“You look at Mason’s abilities, and you think that the growth that he got in his game… suppose you allow him to come here and get that experience. In that case, you think what that would do for him in future tournaments, even if he does not get on,” former Manchester United defender Ferdinand, also speaking before Greenwood’s withdrawal, was announced, told reporters.