Mason Greenwood is unlikely to be called up to the next England camp next month.
Having scored in Manchester United's opening three Premier League matches, it was anticipated the 19-year-old would be a shoe in for Gareth Southgate's squad for the latest round of World Cup Qualifiers.
Southgate called up Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford amongst his squad, triggering questions about the United academy graduates situation.
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According to reports, the England manager has been in constant discussion with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer around the players situation. Greenwood withdrew from the preliminary Euro 2020 squad with a suspected injury but is thought to have felt uneasy about his involvement.
There have been murmurs that Greenwood could be convinced his International future lies with Jamaica, who he is also eligible to represent, but England boss Southgate believes his future lays with the Three Lions.
"He is a player we really like and he's got every possibility to be a top England player. We're all conscious we make that progression at the right time.'"
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With his current form, it is hard to wonder when the right time will be. When pressed for an answer, Southgate insinuated all parties are on the same page.
"We decided it's best he stays with his club. We're all aligned with that — Mason, the club and his family.'"
If it a case of player protection, then the question could be asked why is Bukayo Saka included who is around the same age? Or is there still an issue after Greenwood was suspended by the England boss after winning his first cap against Iceland a year ago. He and Manchester City's Phil Foden were sent home for smuggling two women into the team hotel.
Questions remain around the player's views and what may have gone on behind closed doors. If Greenwood continues firing on all cylinders for Manchester United, more pressure will be placed on Southgate to fast track his development.
Topics: Mason Greenwood, Gareth Southgate, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, England, Jamaica